‘Border Witness’ offers fresh look at free trade

A new book published by the New York State Labor-Religion Coalition — of which UUP is a member — debunks the myth that free trade is good for the poor, working families in Mexico and elsewhere.

“Border Witness: Youth Confront NAFTA” (the North American Free Trade Agreement), pictured above, was born out of the experience of a labor-religion delegation to Mexico, which included youth from across New York state. Edited by Maureen Casey, director of the coalition’s International Project, the book includes testimonies and reflections from the young people who participated in a trip to the border region of Northern Mexico in February 2001.

“The book chronicles the stories of many of the workers the young people met and befriended during their weeklong stay,” Casey said. “It also clearly expresses the outrage of the youth at the mistreatment of workers in the maquiladoras (factories making goods for export).”

Complete with more than 50 color photographs by Albany-area freelancer Marie Triller, the book — written in both English and Spanish — is available to UUP members for a discounted donation of $25, plus $3.50 shipping and handling. To place orders, e-mail to info@labor-religion.org or check out the coalition’s Web site at http://www.labor-religion.org. Proceeds will benefit the coalition’s ongoing projects that seek justice for all workers in the United States and beyond.

For information on coalition efforts and how to become a member, contact Casey at (518) 459-5400.