Rep. Schakowsky Statement On Department of Transportation Decision On Norwegian Air International

Statement

Today Representative Jan Schakowsky released the following statement based on a Department of Transportation proposal to grant Norwegian Air International a foreign air carrier permit.

I am very disappointed in today's proposal by the Department of Transportation to allow unfair competition from Norwegian Air International for transatlantic flights. Norwegian has moved its corporate address to avoid taxes and to skirt worker protections. I have urged the Department of Transportation not to grant NAI a permit because I do not believe we should reward companies that move to countries with the lowest tax rates, weakest regulations, and worst worker protection standards. We should be for fair competition based on value and service, not give NAI a competitive edge because they avoid their fair share of taxes and provide low wages to their workers. I will continue to do what I can to make sure our international trade agreements uphold strong consumer and worker standards, instead of promoting a race to the bottom.

Source