On July 8, the union petitioned the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) to examine the surge in Chinese clothing imports and recommend import controls. When China entered the WTO, it agreed that safeguards might be necessary to allow homegrown industries time to adjust. Under WTO rules, China's trading partners can limit imports to 7.5% growth annually.
The CITT responded on July 29 writing that it is considering the request but stating its position that workers alone cannot invoke the safeguard mechanism. However, the Prime Minister continues to have the option to directly intervene and enact safeguard mechanisms himself. Given the growing crisis in the industry, the delay in the CITT's full decision makes it more crucial for the Prime Minister to take immediate action.
"The tens of thousands of workers in this industry are relying on the Prime Minister to make use of a mechanism already being invoked by governments in the US, European Union, and numerous other countries around the world," says Dagg. "They are calling on the Prime Minister to act."
UNITE HERE is a union representing over 50,000 members in Canada and more than 440,000 people across North America. UNITE HERE's diverse membership includes many recent immigrants and a high proportion of women, representing workers in: hotels; casinos; apparel, textile and general manufacturing; apparel distribution centers; apparel retail; industrial laundries; food service; airport concessions; and restaurants.
UNITE HERE was formed on July 8, 2004, from the merger of UNITE (formerly the Union of Needletrades, Textiles and Industrial Employees) and HERE (Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees International Union).
-Ltd..jpg?tr=w-120,h-60,c-at_max,cm-pad_resize,bg-ffffff "Thermore (Far East) Ltd.")
.jpg?tr=w-120,h-60,c-at_max,cm-pad_resize,bg-ffffff "Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Limited (TSllC Ltd)")
.jpg?tr=w-120,h-60,c-at_max,cm-pad_resize,bg-ffffff "Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF)")
