As President Obama presses ahead with his support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), pressure from national union leaders is growing. The deal threatens to shake his relationship with union bosses, arguably the largest constituency in both of his election bids
The bill that authorizes the president to fast-track the TPP and other trade deals is languishing in Congress. The delay is due to lack of Democratic support and large House Republican opposition.
Richard Trumka, president of AFL-CIO publicly, called Congress to defeat the bill reports Real Clear Politics. He argued the bill detrimental to the working class since Obama could bypass the Congressional amendment process. Moreover, it would give future presidents the same authority.
This week, Hillary Clinton became the first presidential candidate to publicly oppose the bill. This put her at odds with President Obama. It did, however, allow cushion for the expected avalanche in union campaign dollars for next years election.
