For too long, debates over international trade have been dominated by corporate elites and economic ideologues, rather than rooted in the experiences of ordinary Americans. 

The Trade Stories Project allows people who have been affected by policies and institutions like NAFTA and the WTO to share their views on a matter crucial to the global economy. 

This includes displaced workers, farmers, small business owners and immigrants who have been typically excluded from the trade debate.

William Kemp

Roseburg, OR

William was one of the top sales representatives at the Dell Call Center in Roseburg, Oregon.  He and more than 250 co-workers lost their jobs when the plant closed, relocating many positions to El Salvador.

“I lost my medical insurance.  I had to use my 401(k) to live off of.  They did offer severance, which we were grateful for. 

“I’m 41, so I had to redirect my whole entire life again.  Having to go back to school.  Taking care of my kids.  Being on unemployment.  All of that stuff takes a toll on the family.  I think all of us, the first month, we were all in depression.

“I know that the United States has changed, and I know that we are a global economy… The thing that I don’t understand about the United States, is that there’s a lot of people that don’t have jobs here.  And there are a lot of people who can’t feed their kids here.  It’s because corporate America is taking our jobs to other countries so that can make more profit. 

“I understand business and I understand about profit, but there’s a fine line when you do that to the nation that you say you serve.”