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Thea Mei Lee

@theameilee.bsky.social
729 followers 554 following 37 posts

International workers' rights and social justice advocate. Formerly US Dept of Labor; Economic Policy Institute; AFL-CIO.

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Reposted by Thea Mei Lee
PERI Umass Amherst @periumass.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Working Americans do not benefit from Trump's pro-corporate trade policy. Join our weekly policy webinars through October. Register: bit.ly/GCWebinarLabor Featured: @jimbostanford.bsky.social @theameilee.bsky.social
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Game Changers: Economic Policies for a Working America @gamechangerspolicy.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Trump's trade war with Canada is heating up, stretching American wallets even thinner. Join us for the second Game Changers webinar: Oh Canada: Trump Vs. North American Workers THURSDAY, SEPT. 17 / 4-5PM ET Register: bit.ly/GCWebinarLabor
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Game Changers: Economic Policies for a Working America @gamechangerspolicy.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
This week, the Work & International Trade team will discuss Trump's trade war with Canada and how we can build a better trade economy for working people. Speakers: @theameilee.bsky.social @jimbostanford.bsky.social Luis Rangel, Hector de la Cueva, & Will Milberg Register for all webinars here:
bit.ly
Game Changers Webinar Series
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Global Trade Watch @pcgtw.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
@theameilee.bsky.social’s message post-Labor Day: This is our moment to think BIG.
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Game Changers: Economic Policies for a Working America @gamechangerspolicy.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Trade policy doesn't have to be a choice between corporate-driven trade deals and tariff wars. Our latest Game Changers proposal explores a better path for North America with stronger labor standards, environmental protections, & more. Watch the video and learn more: peri.umass.edu/publication/...
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Game Changers: Economic Policies for a Working America @gamechangerspolicy.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
The second wave of Game Changers is here! From Medicare for All and raising wages to worker protections, healthier environments, climate resilience, and North American worker-centered trade, these proposals offer bold ideas for a more secure economy. 🌐: gamechangerspolicy.org
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Game Changers: Economic Policies for a Working America @gamechangerspolicy.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
The first Game Changers policy proposals are here! Today's releases explore ending profiteering in healthcare, strengthening worker voice, expanding care, reforming immigration policy, and rethinking the workweek. Explore the collection: GameChangersPolicy.org
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Global Trade Watch @pcgtw.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Today’s Supreme Court ruling gives even more power to billionaires to influence our democracy. That's how we end up with trade policy written for corporations instead of working people. 🗣️ : @theameilee.bsky.social
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Thea Mei Lee @theameilee.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Check it out! Our Game Changers team has pulled together some bold progressive policy proposals to fix our broken economic system. Time to get out of our defensive crouch and address the root causes of inequality, corruption, and the imbalance of power.
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Global Trade Watch @pcgtw.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
State Rep. Desiree Tims, Amb. Katherine Tai, labor economist, @theameilee.bsky.social and President of the IUE-CWA Local 84775 Sam Sanders, yesterday.
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Thea Mei Lee @theameilee.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
We had such a great forum in Pittsburgh talking trade policy at @steelworkers.bsky.social HQ. Joined by @deluzio.house.gov, the awesome Katherine Tai, powerful USW VP Amber Miller, and wonderful @pcgtw.bsky.social Melinda St Louis. Thanks to all who came out.
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Global Trade Watch @pcgtw.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
UAW Local 677 president Mike Shupp, @teamsters.bsky.social Local 623 director of operations Dustin Guastella, Labor economist @theameilee.bsky.social, and Citizens Trade Campaign executive director Arthur Stamoulis.
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Global Trade Watch @pcgtw.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Speakers include expert guest economist @theameilee.bsky.social, Mike Shupp of UAW Local 677, Dustin Guastella of @teamsters.bsky.social Local 623, and Citizens Trade Campaign Executive Director Arthur Stamoulis.
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Global Trade Watch @pcgtw.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
@debbiedingell.house.gov, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, AJ Freer of UAW Local 600, expert guest economist @theameilee.bsky.social and our Director, Melinda St. Louis in Detroit: .
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Global Trade Watch @pcgtw.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Free trade deals have been a disaster. We’re hitting the road to ask working people what comes next. Join us in Detroit, Michigan, on May 5th with Rep. Debbie Dingell, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, AJ Freer of UAW Local 600, and expert guest economist @theameilee.bsky.social.
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Global Trade Watch @pcgtw.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
If trade and tariffs are impacting your job, your industry, or your community, this is a space to speak up and be heard — and to help shape what comes next.

RSVP now at the link below or scan the QR code. actionnetwork.org/events/toled...
actionnetwork.org
Toledo - Building a Fair Economy for All​: A Town Hall on Trade & Tariffs
Unfair trade and economic policies, long embraced by both parties, have failed us. We need real alternatives that strengthen unions, fight corporate power, and offer a fair deal to working people. Jo...
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Thea Mei Lee @theameilee.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
I’m looking forward to the @pcgtw.bsky.social Trade and Tariff town hall tour! We will be at union halls talking to workers about trade policy. See you in Toledo on May 6.
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Thea Mei Lee @theameilee.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
“The U.S. govt has a tool to use, and that tool is sitting on the shelf while we waste our time with random tariffs against random countries for random reasons,” says Thea Lee, who helped enforce the #UFLPA as the deputy undersecretary for international labor affairs under Biden. “It’s a shame.”
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Pitchfork Economics @pitchforkeconomics.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
@theameilee.bsky.social nails it: when exploitation is profitable, even the good companies lose. That’s why it’s on governments to build markets that don’t profit from abuse. 🎧 Listen to how smarter trade policy can level the playing field—and make decency a competitive advantage. ➡️ buff.ly/WiTrMxA
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Thea Mei Lee @theameilee.bsky.social · 29/10/2025
Check out @pitchforkeconomics.bsky.social new podcast on trade policy!
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Thea Mei Lee @theameilee.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
Worth reading. Terrifying moment.
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Thea Mei Lee @theameilee.bsky.social · 02/08/2025
It’s official. We are being governed by a spoiled brat who cannot tolerate bad news and will attempt to dismantle a skilled government agency to hide the outcomes of his pathetic policy blunders. Luckily, the excellent career staff at BLS will provide integrity as long as they can.
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Thea Mei Lee @theameilee.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
Many thanks to Senators Cortez Masto and Lujan for convening an important conversation on Trump's trade and economic policies and how they are impacting American households, workers, and small businesses. www.youtube.com/live/GSOz6a9...
youtube.com
Costs, Chaos, Corruption: The Household Impact of Trump's Tariffs
YouTube video by Sen. Ben Ray Luján
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Thea Mei Lee @theameilee.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
Looking forward to joining @lujan.senate.gov, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, and @adamposen.bsky.social tomorrow (6/10) at 1:30 for Spotlight Forum on Trump's trade policies. It will stream on Facebook Live: www.facebook.com/events/73835...
facebook.com
Cortez Masto, Lujan Lead Senate Spotlight Forum on Trump’s Tariffs and Their Impact on Americans
Event by Senator Catherine Cortez Masto on Wednesday, June 11 2025
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Thea Mei Lee @theameilee.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
Happy 105th birthday to the mighty and essential @dol.gov Women’s Bureau! Let’s double down and fund this important work, not gut it! #savewb
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Thea Mei Lee @theameilee.bsky.social · 30/05/2025
Hey, I was looking for the X/Twitter account for my former DOL agency, @ilab.dol.gov (International Labor Affairs Bureau). It seems to have mysteriously disappeared. What the heck?? The agency still exists! People are still doing amazing work.
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Thea Mei Lee @theameilee.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
If you’re in DC, come by the Department of Labor tomorrow (5/28) at noon, 200 Constitution Ave steps! Support American workers and the dedicated DOL career staff!
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Thea Mei Lee @theameilee.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
Powerful op-ed by George Saunders on the firing of our librarian of Congress: “Shame on all of us if we let these ignorant purveyors of cruelty reduce this beautiful thing we’ve built over these hundreds of years to a hollow, braying, anti-version of itself “ www.nytimes.com/2025/05/13/o...
nytimes.com
Opinion | George Saunders: Shame on the White House
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Thea Mei Lee @theameilee.bsky.social · 14/05/2025
Glad to join @deluzio.house.gov, Gil Kaplan, and @stevenoverly.bsky.social for a great discussion at the #PoliticoTrade event. x.com/i/broadcasts...
x.com
A Panel Discussion with Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.), Gilbert B. Kaplan, and Thea Lee / X
A Panel Discussion with Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.), Gilbert B. Kaplan, and Thea Lee
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Thea Mei Lee @theameilee.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
During my time in govt, our Dept of Labor lawyers were super strict about gifts from foreign governments: nothing over $480, and even small gifts had to be cleared. Every scarf, platter, and keychain was approved by the ethics lawyers. This is appalling. www.nytimes.com/2025/05/11/u...
nytimes.com
Trump Is Poised to Accept a Luxury 747 From Qatar for Use as Air Force One
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AFL-CIO @aflcio.org · 29/04/2025
This is a generational moment. Every time labor has been knocked down, we get back up stronger than before. Throughout the first 100 days of the Trump admin, America’s unions have been relentlessly fighting back against the billionaire takeover, and we’re winning.
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Thea Mei Lee @theameilee.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
Check out this excellent @newyorker.com article about the bumblng and self-defeating attempts by this administration to destroy DOL's international labor work -- and the staff, who are continuing to speak out despite the illegal threats against them. Worth a read! www.newyorker.com/news/deep-st...
newyorker.com
What “America First” Could Cost Us
As the Trump Administration forces the U.S. to retreat from labor-protection programs abroad, American workers might end up suffering, too.
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Democracy in Color @democracyincolor.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
OUT NOW: The Tariffs 101 episode you need! Economist @theameilee.bsky.social provides insight into Trump’s economic madness and explains what actual strategies in support of American workers and people of color could look like. Listen now! democracyincolor.com/podepisodes/...
democracyincolor.com
Trump’s Terrible Tariffs with Economist Thea Lee — Democracy in Color
Thea Lee, economist and former deputy undersecretary for international labor affairs at the Department of Labor, provides insight to Trump’s economic madness and the global chaos unleashed. 
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Thea Mei Lee @theameilee.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
We’re fighting back! US labor groups sue over ‘ignorant’ cuts of programs fighting child labor abroad
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Thea Mei Lee @theameilee.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
Join this great webinar April 16 at 8:15 pm ET on Litigating Against DOGE! With @RepRaskin @SkyePerryman @LizShuler and others. ula-aflcio.glueup.com/en/organizat...
ula-aflcio.glueup.com
Litigating Against DOGE and How You Can Help Webinar April 16, 2025 8:15 p.m. ET
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The Century Foundation @tcfdotorg.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
The Trump administration's attacks on immigrant workers don’t just harm individual families—they undermine the care economy we all depend on. From child care to nursing homes, losing them means longer waits, higher costs, and a nation that fails its most vulnerable.
tcf.org
Attacks on Immigrant Workers Undermine the U.S. Care Economy
The United States has long been a place where families hoping for a better life could work to make those dreams a reality. As a direct result, their
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Thea Mei Lee @theameilee.bsky.social · 06/04/2025
What’s the point of bringing jobs back to the United States if the administration is openly destroying unions, dismantling worker safety and wage and hour protections, and gutting child labor laws? Asking for a friend.
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Thea Mei Lee @theameilee.bsky.social · 05/04/2025
Today is the Hands Off protest in DC and around the country! I’ll be there. The only challenge is how to fit everything I want to say onto a two-sided posterboard. I got a big one!
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David Michaels @drdavidmichaels.bsky.social · 04/04/2025
Elon Musk has apparently declared war on worker safety. In addition to destroying NIOSH, Musk's DOGE team is trying to close 11 OSHA offices. Ostensibly to save a small amount of money, this will disrupt the functioning of under-resourced offices, resulting in more injuries, illnesses and deaths.
ishn.com
Former OSHA Chief Dr. David Michaels: Closing OSHA Offices Will Increase Worker Injuries, Illnesses, Deaths
In this exclusive op/ed for ISHN magazine, former OSHA leader says “closing OSHA area offices may be penny-wise, but it is well-beyond pound-foolish.”
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The Child Labor Coalition @childlaborclc.bsky.social · 04/04/2025
Why cuts to @ILAB_DOL are a horrible idea....by Fairtrade America, the International Cocoa Initiative and The Rainforest Alliance.... #ChildLabor @alt-dol.altgov.info @theameilee.bsky.social cocoaradar.com/us-cuts-to-c...
cocoaradar.com
US cuts to child labor programmes a ‘blow to core values’ say NGOs
EXCLUSIVE: Fairtrade America, International Cocoa Initiative, and The Rainforest Alliance concerned by latest DOGE move to slash US government spending
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Thea Mei Lee @theameilee.bsky.social · 04/04/2025
New from @JulieSuLabor @tcfdotorg : Musk and DOGE are gutting @USDOL’s ILAB, which stops international companies from undercutting American workers by crushing worker rights and using forced and child labor. tcf.org/content/repo...
tcf.org
What Cuts to the Department of Labor Will Mean for You
Imagine this: Thirteen-year-old children working the night shift cleaning the kill floors of meatpacking plants, their small hands barely able to hold the
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Thea Mei Lee @theameilee.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
The cuts announced last week to ALL of the Department of Labor's international programs are both ignorant and self-defeating. Thanks to Julie Su and Katherine Tai for their excellent article in The American Prospect. prospect.org/labor/2025-0...
prospect.org
Global Working Conditions Matter for American Workers
The Trump administration has cut programs that help prevent forced labor and child labor. This will suppress wages everywhere, including the U.S.
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Thea Mei Lee @theameilee.bsky.social · 28/03/2025
Another short-sighted and self-defeating move from DOGE. American workers and businesses can’t thrive in a global economy where workers’ rights are trampled and disrespected. www.yahoo.com/news/stain-humanity-c…
yahoo.com
‘A Stain on Humanity’: What Canceled ILAB Grants Mean for Fashion Production
The U.S. Department of Labor is axing $577 million in grants that strengthen workers’ rights and combat child and forced labor in global supply chains.
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Andrew Peaple @andypeaps.bsky.social · 15/03/2025
Exciting news for @thewirechina.bsky.social: our first ebook! 'Broken Engagement' by former WSJ senior editor @bobdavis187.bsky.social. It's a collection of terrific interviews with the US policy makers who have shaped China policy under 6 presidents. Enjoy! www.amazon.com/Broken-Engag...
amazon.com
Broken Engagement: Interviews with those who have made — and remade — the U.S.’s policy towards China
Broken Engagement: Interviews with those who have made — and remade — the U.S.’s policy towards China - Kindle edition by Davis, Bob, Barboza, David. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading Broken Engagement: Interviews with those who have made — and remade — the U.S.’s policy towards China.
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Thea Mei Lee @theameilee.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
Check out new e-book by @bobdavis187 on China policy across six administrations, including an interview with me outlining the evolution of China policy with respect to labor rights. Bob's thoughtful and probing questions create a complex and engaging read.
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Thea Mei Lee @theameilee.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
Sorry to see that the Trump administration has lifted the Withhold Release Order on sugar from Central Romana. The labor abuses in that sector are egregious and systemic. Note that the Fanjul corporation donated $1m last year to MAGA PAC. Odd coincidence.
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Thea Mei Lee @theameilee.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
Looking forward to speaking at the @sourcingjournal Sustainability Summit on March 19 at Tribeca Rooftop in NYC. Follow the event at #SJSummits hashtag, and learn more here: www.events.sourcingjournal.com/sustainabili...
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Thea Mei Lee @theameilee.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
Dr. Adriane Fugh-Berman: RFK Jr.'s immunity to scientific evidence is dangerous triblive.com/opinion/dr-a...
triblive.com
Dr. Adriane Fugh-Berman: RFK Jr.'s immunity to scientific evidence is dangerous
As a physician with a long career in alternative medicine and who opposes pharmaceutical marketing, you might think I have a lot in common with Robert F Kennedy Jr. You’d be wrong. I’d be ...
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Thea Mei Lee @theameilee.bsky.social · 06/02/2025
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Thea Mei Lee @theameilee.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
Great spirited demo in support of USAID this morning at the Capitol.
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