Bottom Quote by Keith Ellison
“I'm not against trade...but they're not really trade deals. They're really investment deals between international corporations...They're saying we want to get a race to the bottom so we can exploit the most unfortunate worker.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Congressional Hearing, US House Committee on Oversight, 2019
The speaker argues that many so agreements function as investment arrangements favoring multinational corporations, leading to a race to the bottom that harms vulnerable workers.
In simple terms: Trade deals often act like corporate investments that exploit low‑wage labor.
Key Takeaway
Scrutinize trade policies for worker protections.
Themes
economics
labor rights
globalization
corporate power
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- union negotiations
- corporate accountability
- international law
Key Concepts
neoliberalism
race to the bottom
investment treaties
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance corporate investment benefits with worker rights?
- What safeguards could prevent a race to the bottom?
A Different Perspective
Such deals can also spur economic growth and lower consumer prices, complicating the critique.
