Columbia University's O'Halloran on Threats to Free Trade

The transcript discusses the impact of free trade on American workers, highlighting Dick Gebhardt's efforts in trade adjustment assistance and the 1988 Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act. It explores the atomization of unions and corporate dynamics, leading to economic disparity. The political and economic shifts from the 90s to 2000s are analyzed, with a focus on the influence of trade agreements like NAFTA, WTO, and TPP on globalization and worker participation.

What was one of the key provisions in the 1988 Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act?

• Eliminating trade adjustment assistance

• Increasing tariffs on imported goods

• Providing tax breaks to large corporations

• Limiting the arbitrary movement of plants by corporations

What was a significant consequence of the breakdown of the coalition between export-oriented corporations and workers?

• Increased union membership

• Decreased income disparity

• Increased income disparity

• Improved worker benefits

Which decade saw the breakdown of the coalition between export-oriented corporations and workers?

• 1990s

• 2000s

• 1970s

• 1980s

What is a common perception of globalization among workers?

• An expanding pie that excludes them

• An opportunity for equal growth

• A way to reduce trade barriers

• A chance for increased wages

Which trade agreement is associated with the anger and frustration discussed in the video?

• CETA

• RCEP

• NAFTA

• GATT