NO MORE DEREGULATION AND SURRENDERING SERVICES TO CORPORATE
INTERESTS!
June2013
Dear Trade Ministers,
We, the undersigned civil society organizations, representing hundreds of millions of members
across the globe, are writing to express our strong opposition to the negotiations towards a
proposed far-reaching plurilateral“International Trade in Services Agreement (TISA)”.

For those countries of the so-called “Really Good Friends[of Services] (RGF)”
participating in the talks – Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Hong Kong,
Iceland, Israel, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Pakistan, Peru, South
Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, the United States, and the 27 member states of the
European Union – we urge you to abandon them.

For those countries not participating, we urge you to registeryour strong opposition to the
negotiationsand to pledge never to join any potential future TISA.
The TISA negotiations largely follow the corporate agenda of using “trade” agreements tobind
countries to an agenda of extreme liberalization and deregulation in order to ensure greater
corporate profits at the expense of workers, farmers, consumers and the environment. The
proposed agreement is the direct result of systematic advocacy by transnational corporations
inbanking, energy, insurance, telecommunications, transportation, water, and other services
sectors, working through lobby groups like the US Coalition of Service Industries (USCSI) and
the European Services Forum (ESF).Notwithstanding several financial, economic, social and
environmental crises, the services rules proposed for the TISA replicate and greatly expand upon
the same rules that ‘discipline’ government measures and limit policy space for regulation,
enshrined in the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS)of the World Trade
Organization (WTO) andfree trade agreements (FTAs), which contributed to those crises.
Strong regulation of and oversight over both public and private services is crucial for democracy,
the public interest and development, as well as for the orderly functioning of the services market.
We fear that all of these values and goals wouldbe seriously underminedby this proposed TISA.
Democracy is eroded when decision-making about important sectors– suchas financial services
(including banking, securities trading, accounting, insurance, etc.), energy, education, healthcare,
retail, shipping, telecommunications, legal services, transportation, and tourism– istransferred
from citizens, local oversight boards, and local or provincial/state jurisdiction to unaccountable
“trade” negotiators who have shown a clear proclivity for curtailing regulation and prioritizing
corporate profits.
The deregulation of the financial sectorand capital which was encouraged in part through 1990s–
era rules of GATS and FTAs ledto the recent global financial crisis and the ensuing worldwide
wave of recessions. The continued suffering by millionsfrom unemployment and austerity
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measures reminds us that financial sector re-regulation isessential to rebuild stability and
forestallfuture financial and economic crises.
We denounce the ambition of the RGF to bind further service sectors to the deregulatory GATSlike rules(e.g. in Article XVI onMarket Access or Article VI on Domestic Regulation) while
legislatures move toward re-regulation. We further reject any plansto adopt new cross-sector
restrictions on licensing, technical standards and other domestic regulations (even regulations
that affect domestic and foreign businesses alike) that would surpass the existing GATS and FTA
rules in restricting governments’ and parliaments’ right to regulate.
We strongly condemn the secretive nature of the TISA talks, in which the citizens,
parliamentarians, trade unions, regulating agencies, services users and other interested parties
have limited or no access to those who aresetting negotiating mandates or to negotiations or
negotiating documents, while corporations set the agenda and have easy access to the negotiation
documents. We insist that in such negotiationsas for the proposed TISA, negotiating texts must
be published, and input from regulatory agencies, public service providers and users,
parliamentarians, state and local officials, and civil society organizations must be regularly
invited. Parliaments and legislatures must set binding terms for such negotiations, which must
not go into effect without a full vote of elected officials.
The proposed TISAis an assault on thepublic interestas itfails to ensure that foreign investments
in service sectors actually promote public goals and sustainable economies.We are particularly
wary of further undermining of essential services such as health care and insurance, water and
energy provision, postal distribution, education, public transportation, sanitation, and others if
they are handed overto private and foreign corporations motivated only by profitsand available
only to those who can pay market rates. Therefore such essential services– includingthose that
operate under a public/private mix, compete with private providers, or charge a fee –should not
be subject to any closed-door, unaccountable trade negotiations, including the TISA.
We denounce the intent within the proposed TISA to promote the liberalization of so-called
temporary movement of natural persons, who are actually migrant workers, without guaranteeing
legal protections for their human and labour rights. The movement of workers is outside the
competence of trade agreements and must be dealt with as part of the normative tripartite
framework of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
The proposed TISA also poses a threat to countries that are not participating. The European
Union and the United States have made clear that their intention is to “multilateralize” the
negotiations.We call for vigilance against the determination of the EU and the United States to
set the TISA’s hyper-deregulation-and-privatization agenda as the global “norm,” and to pressure
other countries into joining, in particular countries that may accede to the WTO. Further, it is not
a stretch to consider that once a TISA is concluded,signatory countries wouldtry to act as a bloc
in services (GATS) negotiations within the WTO, pushing other countries meet theTISA level of
liberalization and deregulation, thus contradicting the services negotiating guidelines that WTO
members agreed upon by consensus.We further denounce the TISA as an attempt to advance
developed countries’ corporate wish lists for services while abandoning commitments made in
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the WTO’s Doha Development Agenda to address developing country concerns, such as fixing
existing asymmetries and unfair rules on agriculture.
The world is still recovering from the greatest global economic downturn in nearly a century,
facilitated by the extreme deregulation of the financial services industry. It is clear that strong
public oversight over services is necessary to ensure that the public interest is prioritized over
private profit.We reject the TISA that would move our countries in precisely the wrongdirection.
Signed,
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International and Regional organizations and Networks
Africa Europe Faith And Justice AEFJN is a Faith-based International Network present in
Network (AEFJN)
AFRICA and in EUROPE, established in 1988. AEFJN
promotes economic justice between the European Union
and sub-Saharan Africa so that the poor of Africa may look
forward to a better future.
Arab NGO Network for
ANND is a regional network, working in 12 Arab
Development (ANND)
countries with seven national networks (with an extended
membership of 200 CSOs from different backgrounds) and
23 NGO members.
Asia Pacific Mission for
A regional migrant centre working in the Asia Pacific and
Migrants (APMM)
Middle East region.
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Asia Pacific Research Network
(APRN)
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Association for Women's Rights
in Development (AWID)
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APRN is a network of leading research NGOs in the AsiaPacific. It is active in promoting exchange, coordination
and capacity building support in research.
AWID is an international, feminist, membership
organization committed to achieving gender equality,
sustainable development and women's human rights. A
dynamic network of women and men around the world,
AWID members are researchers, academics, students,
educators, activists, business people, policy-makers,
development practitioners, funders, and more.
Development Alternatives with (DAWN) is a network of feminist scholars, researchers and
Women for a New Era (DAWN) activists from the economic South working for economic
and gender justice and sustainable and democratic
development.
Dignity International
Dignity International’s vision is of a world in which
everyone enjoys human rights and lives in dignity; free
from fear, poverty and discrimination. Dignity
International advocates with, connects, and supports the
empowerment of deprived and struggling communities in
claiming their human rights, and creating social justice
around the world.
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Eastern and Southern Africa
Small-scale Farmer’s Forum
(ESAFF)
ESAFF is a network of small holder farmers that advocate
for policy, practice and attitude change that reflects the
needs, aspirations, and development of small-scale farmers
in east and southern Africa. ESAFF operates in 13
countries.
‘Association pour la Taxation
ATTAC is an international organization involved in the
des Transactions financière et
alter-globalization movement. We oppose neo-liberal
l'Aide aux Citoyens’ - (ATTAC) globalization and develop social, ecological, and
European Network
democratic alternatives so as to guarantee fundamental
rights for all.
IBON International
IBON initiates and implements international programs,
develops and hosts international networks, initiates and
participates in international advocacy campaigns, and
establishes regional and country offices. IBON strengthens
links between local campaigns and advocacies to
international initiatives.
Indigenous Peoples Movement
The IPMSDL is comprised of indigenous leaders and
for Self Determination and
advocates from different countries in Asia, Pacific,
Liberation (IPMSDL)
Australia, Africa, Europe and North America. The
IPMSDL stands for the right of indigenous peoples to
govern ourselves and for liberation from imperialism, state
oppression and human rights violations.
International Presentation
IPA is to channel our resources so that we can speak and
Association
act in partnership with others for global justice.IPA is
present in 22 countries, both of North and South.
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International Union of Food,
Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant,
Catering, Tobacco and Allied
Workers' Associations (IUF)
The IUF is currently composed of 385 trade unions in 123
countries representing a combined representational
membership of over 12 million workers (including a
financial membership of 2.6 million). It is based in
Geneva, Switzerland.
In North, Central and South America and the Caribbean,
140 labor organizations in 35 countries are affiliated to
PSI, with a total membership of about 3.3 million workers.
The regional office is currently based in São Paulo, Brazil.
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La Internacional de Servicios
PublicosAmericas- ISP
Americas
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Latin American Confederation
of Cooperatives and Mutual
COLACOT - Venezuela
International organization of cooperatives and mutuals in
22 countries in Latin America, driving the Model Social
Solidarity Economy to Neoliberalism.
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Mesa de Coordinación
Latinoamericana de Comercio
Justo-RIPESS LAC (región
América Latina)
Nació el 2004, como una instancia de coordinación y
formulación de propuestas colectivas orientadas a
desarrollar el comercio justo Sur-Sur y local. Integrada por
organizaciones de comercio justo de Argentina, Bolivia,
Brasil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, México, Perú y
Uruguay. Sus tareas: articular experiencias; desarrollo de
mercados; difusión de la propuesta; e incidencia política.
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PaxRomana ICMICA Asia
Global network of Catholic leaders committed to justice,
peace and creation.
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Public Service International
(PSI)
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Transnational Institute
Public Services International (PSI) is a global trade union
federation dedicated to promoting quality public services
in every part of the world. PSI brings together more than
20 million workers, represented by 650 unions in 148
countries and territories.
The Transnational Institute (TNI) of Policy Studies carries
out radical informed analysis on critical global issues
builds alliances with social movements develops proposals
for a more sustainable, just and democratic world.
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UNI Europa
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UNI Global Union
UNI Europa is a European trade union federation. It unites
national trade unions organising in service and skills
sectors in 50 different countries. With 320 affiliated trade
union organisations, UNI Europa represents 7 million
workers in key service sectors.
UNI Global Union is the voice of 20 million service sector
workers around the world. Through 900 affiliated unions,
in 150 countries UNI represents workers in the Cleaning
& Security; Commerce; Finance; Gaming; Graphical &
Packaging; Hair & Beauty; ICTS; Media, Entertainment &
Arts; Post & Logistics; Social Insurance; Sport; Temp &
Agency Workers and Tourism industries.
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National Organizations
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Acción Internacional para la Salud (AIS)
Agricultura Alternativa y de Alerta ante la Transgénesis (AGALAT)
AIDS ACCESS Foundation
Alliance for Democracy
Alliance Sud
All Nepal Peasants Federation
Alternative Agricultural Network
Asociacion Nacional De Industriales De Transformación, A. C. Anit.
Argentine Federation Of Commerce And Services Workers (FAECyS)
Asociación Pro Derechos Humanos (APRODEH)
‘Association pour la Taxation des Transactions financière et l'Aide aux
Citoyens’ - (ATTAC) Austria
Belgium
Peru
Panama
Thailand
USA
Switzerland
Nepal
Thailand
Mexico
Argentina
Peru
Austria
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‘Association pour la Taxation des Transactions financière et l'Aide aux
Citoyens’ - (ATTAC) France
France
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‘Association pour la Taxation des Transactions financière et l'Aide aux
Citoyens’ - (ATTAC) Norway
Norway
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‘Association pour la Taxation des Transactions financière et l'Aide aux
Citoyens’ - (ATTAC) Spain
Spain
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‘Association pour la Taxation des Transactions financière et l'Aide aux
Citoyens’ - (ATTAC) Sweden
Sweeden
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Australian Fair Trade and investment Network
Association Internationale de Techniciens, Experts et Chercheurs Initiatives pour un autre monde (Aitec-Ipam - France)
Australia
France
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Bahrain Transparency Society
Berne Declaration
Bharatiya Krishak Samaj
Bia´lii, Asesoría e Investigación, A.C.
Bolivian Platform on Climate Change
Campaign for a Life of Dignity for All (KAMP)
Canadian Union of Postal Workers
Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE)
Centro de Derechos y Desarrollo (CEDAL)
Center for Encounter and Active Non-Violence
Center for Policy Analysis on Trade and Health (CPATH)
Central Única Dos Trabalhadores (CUT)
Centro de Estudios y Promoción del Desarrollo
Centro Peruano de Estudios Sociales (CEPES)
Coalition Paysanne de Madagascar.
Collectif des OSC pour la SécuritéAlimentaire et le Développement Rural
(COSADER)
Bahrain
Switzerland
India
Mexico
Bolivia
Philippines
Canada
Canada
Peru
Austria
USA
Brazil
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Common frontiers
Confederation of Labor and Allied Social Services (CLASS)
CooperaAcción – Acción Solidaria para el Desarrollo
Cordillera People's Alliance (CPA)
Corporate Europe Observatory (CEO)
Council of Canadians
Derecho Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (DAR)
Drug Study Group
Drug System Monitoring and Development Program
Dynamique OSCAF - Organisations de la Société
Civiled’AfriqueFrancophone
Canada
Philippines
Peru
Philippines
Belgium
Canada
Peru
Thailand
Thailand
Benin
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Eastern and Southern Africa Small Scale Farmers Forum (ESAFFUganda)
Uganda
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Eastern and Southern Africa Small Scale Farmers Forum (ESAFF)
Zambia
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Peru
Madagascar
Cameroun
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Eastern and Southern Africa Small Scale Farmers Forum (ESAFF)
Eastern and Southern Africa Small Scale Farmers Forum (ESAFF)
Eastern and Southern Africa Small Scale Farmers Forum (ESAFF)
Eastern and Southern Africa Small Scale Farmers Forum (ESAFF)
Ecological Alert and Recovery – Thailand (EARTH)
Federación de Trabajadores del agua Potable y Alcantarillado del Perú
(FENTAP)
Burundi
Rwanda
Lesotho
Mozambique
Thailand
Peru
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Food & Water Watch
Foundation for AIDS Rights
Foundation for Consumers
Frente Naciomal por la Vida y la Soberania-FRENVIDAS
FTA Watch
Global Exchange
Global Compliance Research Project
Groupe de Recherche et d’Action pour la Promotion de l’Agriculture et du
Développement (GRAPAD)
USA
Thailand
Thailand
Peru
Thailand
USA
Canada
Benin
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GrupoTacuba
Health and Development Foundation
Health Consumers Protection Program
Indian Social Action Forum (INSAF)
Indonesian People’s Alliance (IPA)
Institute for National and Democracy Studies (INDIES)
International-Lawyers.Org
Jóvenesfrente al G20
Kenya Debt Relief Network – KENDREN
Kenya Small Scale Farmers Forum (KESSFF)
KrisokerSor (Farmers' Voice)
Labour,Health and Human rights Development Centre
Milwaukee Clean Clothes Campaign
Milwaukee Fair Trade Coalition
MtandaowaVikundivyaWakulima Tanzania (MVIWATA)
Mujeres Por El Dialogo, Ac. M E X I C O
National Smallholder Farmers Association of Malawi
Ole Siosiomaga Society Incorporated (OLSSI)
Platform Aarde Boer Consument,
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Plateforme des Acteurs de la Société CivileauBénin (PASCiB)
Palteformehaïtienne de Plaidoyer pour un DéveloppementAlternatif
(PAPDA)
México
Thailand
Thailand
India
Indonesia
Indonesia
Switzerland
Mexico
Kenya
Kenya
Bangladesh
Nigeria
USA
USA
Tanzania
Mexico
Malawi
Samoa
The
Netherlands
Benin
Haïti
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103
Participación Organizada para el Desarrollo Regional, A.C.
(PODER,A.C.)
Mexico
104
PowerShift (Vereinfuereineoekologisch-solidarischeEnergie&Weltwirtschaft)
Germany
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Presentation Justice Network
Public Citizen
Rassemblement pour une alternative internationale de développement
(RAID) - Association membre des réseauAttac et Cadtm
Ireland
USA
Tunisia
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Rede Brasileira Pela Integração dos Povos (REBRIP)
REDES-Friends of the Earth Uruguay
RED NACIONAL GENERO Y ECONOMIA M E X I C O
Red Peruana de Comercio Justo y Consumo Ético (Perú)
Red Peruana por una Globalización con Equidad (RedGE)
Resistance And Alternatives to Globalization (RAG) Indonesia
Roots for Equity
Rural Doctor Society
Rural Pharmacists Foundation
SEMILLAS, AC. M E X I C O
Seychelles Farmers’ Association
Social Pharmacy Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University
Solidarité
South Africa - Small scale Farmers Networking Forum (SA-SFNF)
Syndicat de la fonction publique et parapublique du Québec (SFPQ)
Thai Holistic Health Foundation
Thai NGO Coalition on AIDS
The Corner House
The Thai Network of People living with HIV/AIDS (TNP+)
UnidadEcológicaSalvadoreña - UNES
Unión Popular Valle Gómez, A. C.
UNISON
United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (UE)
Utility Workers Union of America
War on Want
William's Desk
WomanHealth Philippines
World Democratic Governance project association, WDGpa
World Development Movement
World Economy, Ecology & Development (WEED)
Worldview
Brazil
Uruguay
Mexico
Peru
Peru
Indonesia
Pakistan
Thailand
Thailand
Mexico
Seychelles
Thailand
France
South Africa
Canada
Thailand
Thailand
UK
Thailand
El Salvador
Mexico
UK
USA
USA
UK
UK
Philippines
Spain
UK
Germany
Gambia
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Zimbabwe Smallholders Organics Forum (ZIMSOFF)
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Zimbabwe