Thousands of labor activists are rallying today in Washington to oppose the Clinton administration’s attempts to grant China permanent status as most favored nation, a move that would grant the country permanent trade privileges.

Labor organizations say that 10,000 activists will be in Washington to protest free trade policies in general and to tell Congress “No Blank Check for China.” They say they oppose the trade status because of China’s poor record on labor and human rights. Joining environmentalists, students and others, their demonstrations will coincide with the annual spring meeting of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

Guests:

• Michael Seagal, Press Secretary for Sen. Max Baucus (D-Montana), who supports China being granted permanent most favored nation status.
• Lori Wallach, from Public Citizen, who is against China being granted permanent most favored nation status. She also was one of the leaders in the Seattle protests against the WTO.

Related links:

• Sen. Max Baucus
• Public Citizen Global Tradewatch
• AFL-CIO