Central American Free Trade Agreement (“CAFTA”)

WHEREAS, an analysis of long term unemployment from 2000 to 2003 indicates that the number of people without work for six or more months has risen to an extraordinarily high rate of 198.2%; and

WHEREAS, the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics figures indicate that 8.4 million Americans were out of work and Black Americans bear the highest burden of 10.7% compared to whites at 5.1%; and

WHEREAS, these figures support the notion that Black workers, especially middle class; blue-collar industrial workers are more likely than white workers to be displaced and less likely to find employment after experiencing job displacement; and

WHEREAS, the major issue devastating our communities today is the lack of jobs; and

WHEREAS, North American Free Trade Agreement ("NAFTA") has a proven track record for loosing American jobs, bankrupting farmers, creating sweatshop anti-union jobs for workers and severely polluting the environment; and

WHEREAS, the Free Trade of the Americas Agreement (FTAA) is a trade agreement to remove barriers to maximize corporate profit and is similar in purpose and function to the NAFTA; and

WHEREAS, the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) is similar and a first step to free trade of the Americas agreement; and

WHEREAS, the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) is being negotiated undemocratically behind closed doors by governments and multi-national corporations.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NAACP oppose passage of CAFTA and any trade agreement that puts the United States businesses and jobs in jeopardy; and

BE IT FINALLLY RESOLVED, that the NAACP oppose any trade agreement negotiated without the approval of concerned people that does not include strong language protecting the environment, labor rights and sovereign rights of the population.