At long last, 11-member Pacific trade deal takes effect

[Farmer-Rick]

46. NO, NO Union has ever sued under any free trade agreements

They don't have standing in the tribunals. Countries and nations have sued, they have standing, (perhaps on behalf of Unions, perhaps NOT) But Unions and Environmental Groups have absolutely NO Standing in these trade courts. Only Corporations and Nations can use these courts.

If a union objects, they have to go and convince an executive level politician to take up their cause and file a complaint for them. Obama did several times. If a corporation objects, they go right to the court or tribunal, do not pass go, do not collect $200. They have special standing.

So, no matter what the right wing propaganda tells you, Unions, labor, environmental and citizens groups have to convince someone in their country that they are being abused. AND if corporations want to, they can go the political route too. But a corporation has an extra special court they can use anytime their little heart desires. WHY.