Sanctioning Abusive Labor Practices

Robert L. Borosage makes a compelling case that the government of Myanmar treats its own citizens abysmally (“Myanmar Is an Easy Case to Make for Sanctions,” Commentary, Jan. 11). Where he wanders from reality is in his characterization of the U.S. business community’s response. Borosage’s claim that “the business lobby has fought against any action” to sanction Myanmar’s leaders is simply not the case. The U.S. has already imposed a wide variety of sanctions against Myanmar. What industry groups such as the National Assn. of Manufacturers have steadfastly opposed are unilateral sanctions that--though they make feel-good headlines--have no practical effect on other countries’ behavior because they can simply buy and sell elsewhere. It is only when the U.S. acts multilaterally, imposing sanctions in concert with other major trading partners like the European Union and Japan, that we can have any hope of pinching anyone but our own workers.

As for Borosage’s charge that the World Trade Organization is toothless when it comes to abusive labor practices, he should do better homework. The WTO agreement explicitly recognizes the right of member countries to restrict the importation of the products of prison labor, and U.S. law has done so since 1930.

MARINO MARCICH, Dir.

International Investment

and Finance, National Assn.

of Manufacturers, Washington