You call the leader of the Miners’ Union and express support for the worker’s right to strike, which is an internationally recognized labor right.
But you worry that Myca’s president will not respect that right and that the miners will lose their jobs. You advise the union leader that it would be safer if they return to work while the United States continues to press the president to hold elections. He thanks you for your concern. He says that the union is not trying to wreck Myca’s economy, but his members will stand firm, even if it costs them their jobs. He urges you to use your influence to persuade the president to change her mind.
After you get off the phone, your staff hands you a new public opinion poll showing that 70% of Americans oppose expanding trade with anti-democratic countries. As a result of the poll, your staff tells you the American press is describing Myca as an example of an anti-democratic country.
— ILO secretary-generalBecause they signed the ILO agreement, Myca must maintain the correct international standards for government and labor relationships.
— State Department spokespersonThe union leader and the secretary of state had a productive discussion. During a crisis, it’s important to keep all lines of communication open.
— Pew Research CenterOur opinion poll was nationwide. The response was overwhelmingly against expanding trade with anti-democratic countries.
