EUGENE–Trade unionists, human rights activists, politicians and community activists will explore the impact of global trade at a free public forum in Portland on Wednesday, April 5.

Former U. S. Secretary of Labor Ray Marshall will speak on the topic "International Trade, Post-WTO Seattle–Human and Worker Rights." Marshall currently serves as chair of the International Labor Rights Fund.

The forum will be held from 3—5 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church, 1011 S.W. 12th Ave., Portland.

The event is co-sponsored by the University of Oregon Labor Education and Research Center, the Oregon AFL-CIO, Northwest Oregon Labor Council, Jobs With Justice, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, First Unitarian Church Social Justice Council, American Friends Service Committee and St. Andrews’ Catholic Church.

A panel of labor activists, religious community members, policy makers and community activists will address the emerging issues of how to encourage fair trade without eroding human rights, worker rights and global environmental standards.

Panelists will include Madelyn Elder, president, Communications Workers Local 7901; Rev. Marilyn Sewell, senior minister, Portland First Unitarian Church; Beverly Stein, Multnomah County commissioner; and Nancy Haque, an organizer for Jobs with Justice.

For further information, call the LERC office in Portland, (503) 725-3295, or in Eugene, (541) 346-5054.

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