AFL-CIO has filed a petition with the United States Trade Representative calling for special action on China as provided for under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.

The labor union says violations of workers' rights in China have contributed to the loss of more than a million jobs in the United States.

That petition states that wages in China are up to 60% below that government's own minimum wage standards and up to 85% below what workers would make if China honored the fundamental workers' rights set forth in international trade law.

AFL-CIO says the Chinese labor has contributed to the loss of 1,235,000 jobs in the United States, including 930,000 in manufacturing.

The petition was filed June 8 and was co-signed by U.S. Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) and U.S. Rep. Christopher Smith (R-NJ).

The petition demands that President Bush implement a program of economic incentives for the Chinese government to improve workers' rights.

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