Canadian-Australian mining company OceanaGold is suing the El Salvador government for $US301 million before a World Bank tribunal. because it refused a permit for a gold mine that would contaminate 60 per cent of the population's drinking water. Step up the pressure by asking OceanaGold investor AMP to demand that it drops the case against El Salvador.
When Corporations Sue Governments December 3, 2014
Manuel Pérez-Rocha wrtiing in the New York Times argues for exclusion of foreign investor rights to sue governments in the Trans-Pacific (TPP) and the Transatlantic (TTIP) trade deals, citing examples of growing opposition from Latin America, Europe and the Asia Pacific
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently released a report assessing economic growth from the TPP if all tariff barriers were removed. It found that,while there would be increases in agricultural trade between some countries, the overall effect on economic growth would be zero for a number of countries, including Australia.
Greg Jericho writing in the Guardian on November 20 debunks the uncritical media reports of government claims of US $18 billion added to Australia's GDP by the China FTA.
Sydney Morning Herald and Melbourne Age quote AFTINET on investor rights to sue governments in China FTA, November 19, 2014 and link to Dr Kyla TienHaara's article in the Drum
AFTINET contributed to the Brisbane Community Action Network G20 People's Summit on November 13 and People's March on November 15. Dr Patricia Ranald provided a comprehensive presentation on the Trans-Pacific Partnership at a forum on the 13th, and the Stop TPP banner was in the 4,000-strong People's March in the heat of Saturday the 15th.
The International Trade Union Confederation ( ITUC) represents 176 million workers in 161 countries and territories and has 324 national affiliates. Sharan Burrow, ITUC General Secretary, said on November 11, 2014 “This secretive trade deal is good for some multinational corporations, but deeply damaging to ordinary people and the very role of governments.
This speech highlights the dangers of investor rights to sue governments over domestic legislation
http://www.kelvinthomson.com.au/editor/assets/141108%20Trans-Pacific%20Partnership%20Rally.pdf
Photos of TPP protests in Sydney, Canberra, Hobart, Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne
Sydney
Sydney
On November 6, 2014 a broad coalition of labor, environmental and consumer groups delivered over half a million petition signatures and letters to key Congressional leaders opposing Fast Track authority for the Trans-Pacific Partnership TPP. Fast track would allow the TPP to be rushed through Congress without amendment.
See the full report here