The studies ... concluded that several countries the administration wants to be granted free-trade status have poor working conditions and fail to protect workers' rights."
Excuse me, but so what and a big boo-freaking-hoo.
And exactly what is a "poor working condition" and exactly whom decides what "workers' rights" are. Huh? Some dweeb in a basement office in D.C. that's never had a callous on his hand and thinks Chess is a contact sport?"
As long as the workers aren't chained to the frigging machine and fed oats, I give a shiite what some guy in Costa Rica gets paid or if his factory isn't air conditioned.
Just as long a said cost savings measures are passed along to the consumer here in the USA I'm fine with it. Not like those turds at Nike who charge $100+ for a pair of crappy sneakers that cost them $3 to make in Malaysia. Now that ... 'sucks'.
Then when Costa Rica's Constitution becomes our own you can think back to this little post and hug your Costa Rican neighbor who, like you, doesn't have any guns because they are not allowed in your Bill of Rights.
Believe me, working conditions will then be the least of your worries!
Go ahead, embrace NAFTA, CAFTA and the FTAA but don't say I didn't warn you.