ISDS Case Map
labour | workers' rights
The New Zealand government today published the text of the Closer Economic Partnership agreement between New Zealand and Thailand.
This report looks at major Customs Unions, Free Trade Areas, and economic
association agreements around the world, with particular attention to any clauses
covering social issues, core labour standards and trade union participation.
Japan and the Philippines on Monday clinched a broad free trade agreement (FTA) that would include letting a trickle of nurses into Japan to help cope with a shortage.
Japan is proving a tough negotiator for countries with their hopes pinned on FTAs.
Japan and the Philippines reached a basic agreement for a bilateral free-trade agreement after striking a deal on the stickiest issue -- steel tariffs.
An election win for Senator John Kerry could make the United States tougher and more cautious on trade, while a victory for President George W Bush would keep the country on the path to more deals, experts say.
Japan and South Korea opened a new round of free trade talks in Tokyo as nearly 150 labor union members from the two countries clashed with police during a demonstration to oppose the deal.
The Philippines reported significant progress in talks to sign a free-trade pact by the end of the year with Japan.
Japan's ongoing negotiations over free trade agreements with Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand are entering a crucial stage.
Korean trade union and social organisations have worked together in recent months to stop the Japan-Korea FTA, arguing that it will result in the abolition of more regulations protecting workers rights, and more privatisation of public services. They also say the average citizens' access to medical treatment and drugs will also be undermined by the FTA's excuse to “protect” intellectual property rights.
