Workshop language: German / Workshopsprache: Deutsch
Since the re-inauguration of President Trump as US President, the topic of tariffs has been omnipresent. In this workshop, we will look at the different motives behind tariffs in the past and present. Critical civil society in particular has traditionally spoken out against free trade and in favor of the possible use of trade barriers. In the workshop, we will clarify how skepticism towards free trade (agreements) is justified in theory and in practice and will focus in particular on the consequences for countries of the Global South. We will take a look at the current customs debate and US tariffs from the perspective of the EU and the Global South and develop alternatives to the status quo.
Our organizations:
The Chamber of Labour is the legal representative of the interests of four million salaried employees in Austria. It advises its members on many issues, represents the interests of employees in politics and business and carries out fundamental work. It also deals with political issues, e.g. international trade and globalized production, and is responsible for reviewing legislation at state, federal and EU level. Its mission is to analyze the above-mentioned topics and tasks from an employee perspective and to make recommendations for action to make labour and economic relations fairer for employees globally.
The Anders Handeln network is a broad alliance of civil society organizations from the agricultural, cultural, trade union, church, feminist, environmental, development, and trade policy sectors. The platform works on many agreements and trade policy issues with the aim of putting people and the climate at the center – rather than corporate profits.
Workshop leader:
Theresa Kofler coordinates the civil society network Anders Handeln (Act Differently), which has been campaigning for fair trade policy since TTIP Stoppen (Stop TTIP). Currently, Theresa works primarily on the EU-US customs deal, the EU-Mercosur agreement, the trade agreement with Indonesia, and fair raw materials policy..
Lisa Mittendrein is a consultant for globalization economics in the EU & International Affairs Department of the Vienna Chamber of Labour. Lisa works on international economic issues such as trade, raw materials policy and development financing.
