NationStates Jolt Archive

Independence Square, Matebian City -- The flags of signatory nations flapping sharply in the mountain wind, a band plays the Internationale. A long table covered in intricately woven cloth tais is weighted down with copies of the International Fair Trade Agreement. Several delegates from the Third World Solidarity Conference are assembled to sign the treaty.

Markus Rumbiak, on behalf of the collective presidency of Tanah Burung, takes one of the pens from the table and flourishes it, saying in a booming voice: “Friends, we write a new page in our histories today! This treaty has just been approved by 68% vote in a national referendum. It will ensure fair trade among us and with the member states of the Coalition of Anti-Capitalist Economies and the other countries planning to sign. Fair trade, friends!”

He puts pen to paper, scrawls his signature, and raises a fist into the air. “Flock together!” he shouts. “Walk together, sisters and brothers!”

Preamble:
The Coalition of Anti-Capitalist Economies was formed as a co-operative multinational economic platform from which nations concerned to put the interests of the people before the interests of profit can work together to create a strong economic alliance that is fair to labourers. Previously, CACE economies have been closed to non-members. Now, having succeeded in our ambitions and in recognisance that humanitarian interest can be served in adherence to capitalist as well as anti-capitalist economic models, we invite nations of any economic model, capitalist and non-capitalist alike, who with us refuse to treat labour as a resource to be exploited, upholding instead the rights and welfare of the labourer, to create and maintain a growing economic alliance based on fair trade and worker rights.

The Bridge Economic Treaty
The following treaty was ratified by the Coalition Body on October 22nd, 2003, and is now a requirement for membership in the CACE. Any nation, regardless of economic system, may sign this treaty providing they meet the terms as detailed under Section 1.

I. Terms of Compliance
Signatories must pass and institute legislation to meet the requirements set in below within 1 year (365 days) of signing this treaty. Full compliance will be assumed from the signing of the treaty, and will be evaluated after one year. Signatories that have failed to bring their nations into compliance with the treaty will have all benefits suspended until they have met the treaty’s requirements. After the first year, any nation that fails to meet the treaty’s requirements will be placed on one year probation, with re-evaluation at the end of that year. Failure to comply with the terms of the treaty at the end of the one year probation will result in suspension of benefits until they have met the treaty’s requirements.

Signatories that meet the upper tier requirements as noted specifically will be granted Trade Primacy status. Primacy grants greater access to markets and resources, and the requests of nations with Primacy status will receive preferential treatment over base level nations. Trade Primacy status is cumulative; the more areas a nation meets upper tier requirements the greater the benefits.

Signatories are required to enforce the dictates of this treaty and may not act in a manner contradictory to the treaty. Signatories must honor the requirements the treaty places upon their nations. Signatories which fail to enforce a section of the treaty, or act in contradiction to the treaty, will be immediately suspended and must reapply for full benefits.

II. Labor Requirements
A. Wages
1. Companies operating within, or doing business with companies within, the signatory nation must pay their workers a living wage.
i. Living Wage is determined individually for all nations: it is calculated by adding the mean cost of food for the worker and one dependant, housing for the worker and one dependant, electricity, water, local telecommunications, schooling for a dependant and +30% discretionary spending.
ii. Signatories which set a Living Wage 10% or more above the amount listed above will be granted Trade Primacy.
2. Wages may not be denied for time worked. Companies found to be in violation of this clause will be fined no less than 10,000 WD a day until all back wages are paid.
3. Wages must be paid on a regular basis not to exceed one calendar month in duration. Companies found to be in violation of this clause will be fined no less than 10,000 WD a day until wages are delivered on an acceptable schedule.

B. Work Schedules
1. The work week is set at 40 hours per week. All hours from 41-60 must be paid time and a half. All hours from 61-80 must be paid double time. No worker can work more than 80 hours a week.
2. Full time workers must have health and pension plans provided by their employers or the state. Part time workers must have health plans provided by their employers or the state.
i. Full time is defined as working 30-40 hours a week, or 35 hours or more on average for a 50 week year. Part time is defined as working 15-29 hours a week, or 20 hours a week on average for a 50 week year.
ii. Signatories that set a full time work week at 35 hours or less will be granted Trade Primacy status.

C. Workplace Environment
1. No company may operate a business in a hazardous environment. Companies found to be operating inside hazardous environments will be fined no less than 50,000 WD a day until operations cease in hazardous environments.
i. In situations where hazardous conditions cannot be avoided, workers will be fully informed as to the nature and degree of risk, and companies shall have the responsibility for the implementation and maintenance of measures minimising worker risk, i.e. the provision of protective clothing and equipment; provision of adequate and appropriate training; medical and psychological support; maintenance of sufficient staff; other measures as appropriate to minimise individual exposure to a hazardous environment and increase worker safety.
2. Workers will be protected from all types of workplace discrimination and harassment, including but not limited to harassment based on gender, race, ethnicity, creed, sexual preference, or political beliefs. Companies may be brought to court on civil charges by individuals for violating this clause.
i. Workers shall not be dismissed on the ground of calling for investigation into workplace conditions. Companies may be brought to court on civil charges by individuals for violating this clause.
D. Labor Unions
1. Signatory nations must recognize unions formed for the purpose of collective representation of workers.
2. Signatory nations must take appropriate steps to ensure the ability of unions to strike, and must appoint unbiased mediators to resolve disputes if a strike continues for 60 days or more.

III. Investment Requirements
A. International Investment
1. Taxes on foreign direct investment from signatory nations will be capped at 12% in addition to local taxes. Firms must have 66% of their stock owned by local stock holders in order to be eligible for this clause. Nations which set FDI taxes at 6% or less will receive Trade Primacy status.
2. Signatory nations must institute a 1% tax on FDI, which must be spent on either education or social welfare projects. Nations which set this tax at 4% or higher will receive Trade Primacy status.
3. Investors with residence of holdings in signatory nations may only invest in holdings and nations which abide by the regulations of this treaty.

B. Domestic Investment
1. All companies must be at least 25% worker owned, either through direct ownership of stock or through stock options in retirement investment funds. Companies which are worker controlled, where workers own and vote 51% of stock, will be granted Trade Primacy status. Nations which require companies to be 51% worker owned and controlled will receive Trade Primacy status.
2. Signatory nations must regulate banking investment. Nations which make bank investment in the open stock market illegal will receive Trade Primacy status.
3. Signatory nations must regulate domestic stock markets. Nations which criminalize to felony level trading violations such as insider trading, fraud or stock manipulation will receive Trade Primacy status.

IV. Trade Requirements
A. International Trade
1. This treaty will establish four levels of trade between the CACE and capitalist nations.
i. CACE Autarchy: This level is available to CACE members only, and constitutes a non-monied, need based industrial alliance network.
ii. Primary Trade Partner: This level is the highest level available to non-CACE members, and is made of nations selected by the CACE Production and Trade Board. These nations are free to sell their goods to CACE nations and CACE nations need not seek permission to trade with them.
iii. Trade Partner: This level is available to all other signatory nations of this treaty, but CACE members must seek goods from CACE members and Primary Trade Partners first before purchasing goods from Trade Partners.
iv. Non-Treatied Nations: Nations which are not members of the CACE and not signatories of this treaty reside in this level. CACE members and Signatory Nations are barred from trading with them without explicit permission.

ooc: provided TB will be kind enough to provide SO Khalid an emergency visa, he would like to attend the signing of the treaty he bled over for so so long.

SO Khalid is of course more than welcome to witness this occasion. Emergency visas have been dspatched to our embassies in Xikuang and Celdonia and can be picked up wherever it is more convenient for him, or on entry at Tiga Burung airport.

We hope this will be the first of many signing ceremonies of the treaty Mr Khalid authored.

Good luck with the treaty but I doubt you'll get any serious level of interest from capitalist nations, there are just too many restrictions (for our liking anyway), particularly about not trading with non-signatories (who make up...99.5% or so of the NS world) in favour of trade with the what...40 members of CACE?

However, we wish you luck in your endeavour.

http://www.gamespy.com/avatars/av/MA/ma324.gif
Michael Ó Ichide,
3rd Tigern,
Milesian Economic Office.

If only I hadnt removed my Foreign Minister =/ ...

hurrah for emergency visas! SO Khalid intends to make good use of his time, standing around looking very pleased while eating free food and gladhanding potential signatories.

The viceroy (High Lord Coyotepec) of the ANL got up, went over to the table and begun to speak:

"It is an honor to represent my country in this historic treaty for my people. I personally support this treaty, despite my concers over trade issues, and I have made up my mind to sign it. Last night, I learned that the Soviet Parliment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the High Chief Quetzalcoatl himself gave me the power to sign this treaty. So, on behalf of the entire nation of The United Socialist States of The Aztec National League, I sign this treaty, mainly because we support fair trade. May peace and prosperity be a result of this treaty."

He takes out the pen out of his breast pocket and signs the papers.

(OOC: Tanah Burung, I telegraphed you)

OOC: I'm assuming this takes place after The Third World Solidarity Conference. Tell me if I'm wrong...

IC:
After staying an enjoyable extra time in Tanah Burung, the duque assisted to the signment (Is this a real word? :? ) of the treaty.
He stood up and spoke, representing his nation.
"The citizens of Hell Bovines have already aproved the referendum and decided that my nation will sign this beautiful treaty.
However, we ask for an exception to be made in our case: We don't want to cut our trade relations with some non-signatory nations, namely Iansisle, Slagkattunger, Larkinia, Ziobia and Krowemoh. If this exception can be made in our case, then we sign this treaty with utmost pleasure.
May the workers of the world finally break their chains forever!"
He signs the treaty, smiling widely.

The Empire of Eauz would like to sign on to this Economic Treaty. The Prime Minister also is happy to hear from his old allie TB. The Prime Minister would like to come visit TB again in the near future. Plans are now being prepared.

As always, the Prime Minister of Eauz is very welcome in Tanah Burung! Nothing less than full state honours will do for our oldest ally. The PM may particularly enjoy touring the new Maglev line.

OOC:
Yes, this takes place immediately after the third world conference.

In response to questions about trade with non-signatories. (SeOOC will no doubt correct me is anything i say is wrong.) I hope that many of our trade partners will decide to sign, and make the question irrelevant. Of course, some may not. As i read the clause in question, there is some wriggle room:

Non-Treatied Nations: Nations which are not members of the CACE and not signatories of this treaty reside in this level. CACE members and Signatory Nations are barred from trading with them without explicit permission.

So permission can be granted (except for members of the WBO and possibly SATO?) and the decision will be up to the full signatory body -- mostly CACE members right now, but hopefully more countries in the near future. Tanah Burung is signing now, but expects to ask for an exemption or two later. Certainly we'd like to be able to trade with some of the same nations Hell Bovines mentioned. But we see that as being a question for the future, once the treaty has expanded to include more countries. At any rate, the treaty gives you a year to bring your trade relations into compliance.

So permission can be granted (except for members of the WBO and possibly SATO?) and the decision will be up to the full signatory body -- mostly CACE members right now, but hopefully more countries in the near future.

Ah yes, this one should go to the FAQ. The answer is, in fact, in the text. There is no prohibition against trading with WBO or SATO nations, the treaty is not being offered to them because of their ties to Der Angst, who is still obstructing the investigation of an attempted nuclear terrorist plot against SeOCC. However, given the incredily exploitative and abusive economic policies of these governments, it is hoped that any nation signing the IFTA will choose simply not to trade with WBO/SATO nations as a matter of conscience.

I can tell you right now, SeOCC will never vote to approve trade with any WBO/SATO nation simply because it is wrong to give that kind of direct support to their capital owners. Also, while I respect that old ties are hard to break, if signatories seek permission to retain old trade alliances, what incentive is there for your allies to join the IFTA? We, as members of the IFTA and as humane governments, should be focused on convincing non-signatories to join, and economic measures a rather convincing argument. It is my hope that as the IFTA establishes itself, skeptic will be able to witness first hand the benefits of joining, and will be convinced by the economic prosperity enjoyed by the IFTA's members.

Ibin Khalid
Special Officer, Ministry of Politics
SeOCC (in Tanah Burung)

(to clarify: it has been suggested that the treaty needs a spiffier name, and we're currently holding a discussion on the signatories board as to what that should be. The leading suggestion, from First Outside, is International Fair Trade Agreement (IFTA). It seems probable that this is what it'll be called, so some of us have taken to calling it tht alrady. Just to avoid confusion.)

Celdonia rejoices at this momentous treaty signing, and intends to send a delegation to Tanah Burung to act as witnesses.

Freebodnik V signs.

Conference co-organisers Xiao Ngari, Yi'i Lhyamo and Qzixi Tashi are all in attendance at the ceremony. After the signing, Xiao approaches Rumbiak, shaking his hand warmly.

"On behalf of my people, may I congratulate you for this bold move towards a future of fair and honest trade policies throughout the world. You enter into a trade alliance already powerful, and growing. We thank you and the good people oof Tanah Burung for your solidarity!"

High Lord Coyotepec and the Grande Duque Mooo are similarly congratulated. after which Ms. Yi'i draws them both aside.

"Grande Duque, Viceroy Coyotepec, your commitments to basic rights for alllabourers are to be admired as an example to all. We would hope that they should be so to your trade partners, as well. I understand you have some concerns regarding the status of your current trade partners. It is certainly not for any one of us or for the CACE to decide-- exceptions in your cases is a matter for the entire signatory body. If you would like to present your concerns to that body, and if you could detail your trade relationships with the natons in question, that wuld be most beneficiary to the decision-making process. May I invite you to do so? The forums can be acessed electronically-- you need ntot send a representative to the Celdonian office, though you are of course more than welcome to do so if you like."

ooc: forum is here:

http://invisionfree.com/forums/CACE/index.php?showforum=13

Please sign up! We like participation! Yehah!

If only I hadnt removed my Foreign Minister =/ ...

Y'know, he can always come back. :wink:

"Grande Duque, Viceroy Coyotepec, your commitments to basic rights for alllabourers are to be admired as an example to all. We would hope that they should be so to your trade partners, as well. I understand you have some concerns regarding the status of your current trade partners. It is certainly not for any one of us or for the CACE to decide-- exceptions in your cases is a matter for the entire signatory body. If you would like to present your concerns to that body, and if you could detail your trade relationships with the natons in question, that wuld be most beneficiary to the decision-making process. May I invite you to do so? The forums can be acessed electronically-- you need ntot send a representative to the Celdonian office, though you are of course more than welcome to do so if you like."


"Thanks for the congratulations, friend. Actually, it's your nation who should be congratulated, and not mine, for being capable (with the participation of other CACE members) of drafting such wonderful treaty that will surely encourage the respect for workers' rights all over the globe.
We join this new trade partnership with great pride and we will send representatives to the Celdonian office to discuss this issue." , replied the duque.

We are honored to be part of this treaty. The USSANL has a strong commitment to worker's rights. We hope this trade agreement will bring peace and prosperity to all who have signed this treaty. Right now, the ANL has gone through a bit of an economical downturn, but we shall over come, and this treaty will hopefully get us back on the road to economic prosperity.

OOC: Sorry for not saying much, but heck - what else can I say? Everyone's already said it... ^_^

However, given the incredily exploitative and abusive economic policies of [WBO nations'] governments, it is hoped that any nation signing the IFTA will choose simply not to trade with WBO/SATO nations as a matter of conscience.

Yes, incredibly abusive.

That must be why Ravenspire offers superior terms in the areas of wages, work hours, and investment to those offered under this treaty.

Other nations, of course, may sign what they like. Unlike SeOCC, we do not declare war over such policies, nor actively seek to overturn economic policies that do not agree with our own.

But let it be known that there are alternatives to this "fair" trade agreement, which shackles developing nations with restrictions they may ill afford. Free trade, among them.

Always read the contract before you sign. That's good business.

Sakura Kitsuki
Minister of Contracts

"Grande Duque, Viceroy Coyotepec, your commitments to basic rights for alllabourers are to be admired as an example to all. We would hope that they should be so to your trade partners, as well. I understand you have some concerns regarding the status of your current trade partners. It is certainly not for any one of us or for the CACE to decide-- exceptions in your cases is a matter for the entire signatory body. If you would like to present your concerns to that body, and if you could detail your trade relationships with the natons in question, that wuld be most beneficiary to the decision-making process. May I invite you to do so? The forums can be acessed electronically-- you need ntot send a representative to the Celdonian office, though you are of course more than welcome to do so if you like."


"Thanks for the congratulations, friend. Actually, it's your nation who should be congratulated, and not mine, for being capable (with the participation of other CACE members) of drafting such wonderful treaty that will surely encourage the respect for workers' rights all over the globe.
We join this new trade partnership with great pride and we will send representatives to the Celdonian office to discuss this issue." , replied the duque.

"Credit must go where credit is due-- the treaty was drafted by ministers in SeOCC, albeit refined through presentation to CACE. I must say we are very pleased at the degree of interest shown. I do hope that the ratification of the treaty by the NHU goes through-- that wold be a fine accomplishment."

ooc: Freebodnik V, signatory list has been updated.Welcome to a vast and growing market!

OOC: Please, no CACE-WBO infighting here. Not the place, not the time. Cheers.

Other nations, of course, may sign what they like. Unlike SeOCC, we do not declare war over such policies, nor actively seek to overturn economic policies that do not agree with our own.

But let it be known that there are alternatives to this "fair" trade agreement, which shackles developing nations with restrictions they may ill afford. Free trade, among them.

Always read the contract before you sign. That's good business.

Sakura Kitsuki
Minister of Contracts

ooc: i also don't want yet another CACE-WBO battle of words on this thread, but i think a clarification is needed, so....

IC:

Tanah Burung is not, and has no intention of becoming, a member of the Coalition of Anti-Capitalist Economies. We remain committed to political non-alignment, and we count Ravenspire among the nations we respect greatly. We bear no ill will towards the World Business Organization, the South Atlantic Treaty Organization, or any other international organization.

The International Fair Trade Agreement is, we feel, a step towards a more just world. It is clearly economically beneficial for our country, freeing us of the need to promote sweat shop labour for competitive advantage. Certainly there are other alternatives for trade, but we feel this is the most advantageous for our country. We look forward to the day when the IFTA will be an immense trading bloc with guaranteed protections for working people, and CACE members will be a minority within it.

Violeta Bi Bere
People's representative for foreign affairs & human rights

The International Fair Trade Agreement is, we feel, a step towards a more just world. It is clearly economically beneficial for our country, freeing us of the need to promote sweat shop labour for competitive advantage. Certainly there are other alternatives for trade, but we feel this is the most advantageous for our country.

As is right and proper. We applaud your stance, if not your conclusions.

If you should ever decide that free trade is more beneficial to your nation than your current policy, our door shall remain open, as it has been in the past.

Sakura Kitsuki

Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland) signs this treaty. We look forward to dominating the hockey equipment market!
General Susan Aglukark
President of Greenland

OOC: Certainly took us long enough - Sorry!

"With the inclusion of the Caselonian-submitted amendment, we eagerly sign this agreement. Events in our region, The Heartland, have kept us out of NS politics at large for awhile, but we sincerely hope this Treaty will provide us with some economic boost, as our current defense situation is taxing our economy fairly steadily."

-Statement by President Eamon McGinnis, People's Republic of Caselonia

We are delighted to see Caselonia join the ever-growing market base created by the signatories to the IFTA. We are certain that this will be a positive development for the Caselonian people, and we thank them for adding their nation's material strength and welcome voice to this Agreement.

ooc: You're actually already on the list! Apologies if that wasn't formal... I suppose it is now, though, so all's well. If you want to pop 'round to hereabouts (http://s1.invisionfree.com/forums/CACE/index.php?act=SC&c=5) and make an account, I can add you to the correct member group so you can have access to the voting area. Very happy to have you onboard!

The President of the Republic of Tirith, a newly fromed nation, signs the treaty document.

"The Republic of Tirith agrees to this treaty with pride & meaning. We hope it will be of mutual benefit & generate both economic & diplomatic progress."