From Boeing machinists to Microsoft engineers to medical device makers and dockworkers, the area's trade ties run deep. More than 600,000 trade-related jobs were created in Washington state between 1963 and 1995, according to Conway's analysis. That accounts for a third of the state's job growth in that period, he said, noting the past four years have shown similar trends. But workers around here know where their jobs come from. Davis disagrees with the idea that trade pacts with developing countries should include mandates on such things as worker wages.
Trade creates jobs.
And as workers in developing countries increase their own financial standing, they'll reach a point where low wages and hazardous working conditions are no longer acceptable, Davis said. It really needs to come, as our own history proves, from the people themselves. Eligible workers can receive up to two-years' worth of federal retraining grants earmarked for those laid off due to trade agreements. Charles Best Jr., who runs the office, has been especially busy the past few years with trade-related job cuts as companies either close or trim down to compete in the global marketplace. Among his recent cases was the Rainier Brewery, which closed last summer, leaving nearly 300 people jobless.