In a recent spending bill signed by the President, Congress suspended a pilot program begun by the Bush administration that allowed long-haul Mexican trucks to deliver goods throughout the U.S. in compliance with the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). In response to the move, which the Mexican Economy Minister called “…protectionist and clearly in violation of (NAFTA),” Mexico placed tariffs (or taxes on exported goods) on 90 American manufactured and agricultural exports – nearly $2.4 billion worth of goods.

The dispute with the major trading partner is the first for the Obama administration, which has said it would work to create a new cross-border trucking program. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has already been in talks with other officials from the Office of the U.S. Trade and State Department to craft a new program to resolve the conflict, according to the Wall Street Journal. Mexican officials have indicated that they would rescind the tariffs if a new, satisfactory plan is developed.

While the American Trucking Associations and U.S. Chamber of Commerce both supported the program and opposed its withdrawal, some feel allowing Mexican trucks to operate in the U.S. is dangerous and could potentially stifle wages for American truck drivers. Others-including the Teamsters-believe Mexico needs to make sure their drivers and trucks are safe enough to operate on American roads before the U.S. opens the border again.

The Employee Free Choice Act is currently being pushed by unions to make it easier for them to organize companies within the U.S.  Also known as “card check” legislation, the bill eliminates the ability for business to require a secret-ballot election, allowing workers to form a union if a majority of them sign authorization cards.  It was introduced into both the House and the Senate today.

While labor believes the current system is unfair because it gives management the power of calling for the secret ballot, others are against the bill, including the American Trucking Associations and other prominent business leaders.   Those opposed to the bill contend that it would ultimately give unions the ability to intimidate and pressure workers during sign-up, while a secret-ballot process makes it difficult for any authoritative entity to intervene with a worker’s choice.

In further support of opposition to the card check, a recent economic study revealed that the card check will eliminate a staggering 600,000 jobs in the U.S. by the year 2010 – including numerous trucking jobs.  Additionally, the study (conducted by Dr. Anne Layne-Farrar) concluded that for every 3% increase in unionization, a 1% increase in unemployment will result.