Union unveils database that tracks outsourcing of U.S. jobs

“As outsourcing has expanded, wages have stagnated and wealth has become concentrated,” AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said on a conference call with reporters. “While other nations implement strategic industrial policies to strengthen their technological capacity and manufacturing base, U.S. policies have encouraged U.S. manufacturers to offshore.”

Calling it “an important tool,” Trumka said the database will help get concrete information in citizens’ hands on what companies are outsourcing. It is also designed to put pressure on lawmakers to change U.S. tax and trade policies in support of American industry. 

The union leader noted recent Republican votes in Congress against bills intended to end China’s currency manipulation and close tax loopholes for companies shipping jobs overseas as examples of lawmakers not stopping outsourcing. 

“This is a chance for us to make that issue even stronger and demand that politicians try to find solutions instead of walking away from the problem,” Trumka said.