In addition the proposed "flexibilities" that would allow developing countries to shield a specified number of labour intensive sectors are so minimal as to provide little protection for the workers who are vulnerable.
According to ITUC calculations sectors such as textiles and clothing, leather and footwear, plastics, paper, rubber, metals, automobile and furniture will be particularly affected in terms of job losses.
The ITUC General Council, in its recent resolution of 22 June, had strongly rejected NAMA proposals based on low coefficients and very restrictive flexibilities, as are being proposed now in the draft modalities text.
Many ITUC affiliates in developed and developing countries alike - including from the NAMA 11 group, the EU, US and Latin American group - have written to their ministers on several occasions to demand a more balanced outcome in NAMA. Their views are not being taken into account.
"The disconnect between the discussions on development strategies and the creation of decent work in developing countries on the one hand and the NAMA proposals as presented yesterday is enormous and cannot result in a pro-development outcome of the Doha Round," concluded Ryder.
International Trade Union Confederation
marketing@alchempro.com
