The U.S. has been threatening to pursue complaints under labor chapters of trade agreements for a while now. USTR's announcement yesterday may indicate that we will soon see an actual panel process completed:
United States Trade Representative Michael Froman today announced that the United States is proceeding with a labor enforcement case against Guatemala under the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR).
“Our goal in taking action today remains the same as it has always been: to ensure that Guatemala implements the labor protections to which its workers are entitled. Litigation is a means toward that goal, not an end in itself,” said Ambassador Froman in his remarks. He added, “We remain hopeful that Guatemala can succeed in producing concrete improvements for workers on the ground, which would send a positive signal to the world that would help attract investment, expand economic activity, and promote inclusive growth. This is also critical to demonstrating to the Guatemalan people that there are opportunities for their children in staying and working at home rather than embarking on a dangerous journey of migration. We remain committed to helping Guatemala achieve these outcomes and earn the benefits that come with enforcing laws to uphold internationally recognized labor rights.”
But note that it just says they are "proceeding" with a case. Has the panel already been composed? Will it be composed now?
And does the U.S. really plan to pursue this all the way to a final panel report, or is the announcement just about putting political proessure on Guatemala to make the desired changes?
ADDED:
As it often does, Inside U.S. Trade has the details:
The [U.S. trade] official said the panel will consist of the same members selected before it was suspended, and will follow the same timelines. He noted that panel report should be issued approximately four months from the panel's resumption on Sept. 18 -- sometime in the first quarter of next year.
...
The panelists in the dispute are: Ted Posner, a Washington-based lawyer with Weil, Gotshal & Manges; Mario Fuentes Destarac, a Guatemalan lawyer; and Canadian law professor Kevin Banks, who will chair the panel. ...
There's also this:
The [U.S.] official held open the possibility that the panel's work could be suspended again under the right circumstances.
