On Nov 9 and 10 in Danang, Vietnam, ministers of the 11 TPP countries reached an agreement on the way forward to implement the TPP. CPTPP will incorporate the original TPP Agreement, but suspend a limited number of provisions while maintaining the high standard and comprehensive nature of the Agreement. Alarmingly for workers, among the list of suspended provisions is the one on commitments relating to labour rights in conditions for participation. This represents a significant recognition that to have free trade and economic integration, a labour chapter is needed to ensure a sustainable, fair and inclusive free trade agreement. It follows therefore that a free trade agreement without a labour chapter will put into question the very purpose of having one.

Source: The Star November 17, 2017 06:56 UTC