The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) has expressed concern over the new trade tariffs announced by the president of United States, Donald Trump’s administration on April 2, describing them as reckless and damaging to global economic stability.
The ITUC warned that these measures signal the start of a trade war that will jeopardise jobs, inflate consumer prices, and harm workers and economies worldwide.
“International trade must advance social justice, support inclusive economic growth, and deliver decent jobs with respect for labour rights and fair wages,” the statement read.
While the ITUC has consistently criticised unregulated free trade and corporate greed for driving down wages and working conditions globally, it emphasized that the Trump administration’s use of tariffs as a political weapon only worsens the situation.
“These tariffs are not part of any serious plan to support working people,” said ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle. “This trade war puts workers’ jobs and livelihoods at stake. It will also lead to price increases, with workers and consumers footing the bill.”
The ITUC argued that the new tariffs function like a regressive tax, raising production costs, risking job losses, and hindering equitable development in other countries.
“This action undermines the spirit of international cooperation and strengthens the case for a robust multilateral trading system that promotes shared prosperity and workers’ rights,” Triangle added.
He further condemned the broader anti-worker agenda of the Trump administration, citing attacks on unions, cuts to public services, and mass layoffs of unionised workers.
“Donald Trump is not creating jobs—he’s pushing a billionaire-driven, far-right agenda that threatens the livelihoods of working people everywhere,” Triangle stated.
The ITUC affirmed its commitment to monitoring future trade developments and advocating a worker-centered global trade model grounded in international solidarity.
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