Department of Labor, Trade Representative request Mexican government review alleged denial of labor rights at Teklas parts plant in Aguascalientes

WASHINGTON – The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement’s Interagency Labor Committee for Monitoring and Enforcement today requested the government of Mexico review an allegation that workers’ rights are being denied at the Teklas automotive parts plant in Aguascalientes. The U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Trade Representative co-chair the Interagency Labor Committee.

The request follows a petition filed under the USMCA’s Rapid Response Mechanism on Aug. 24, 2023, by the Liga Sindical Obrera Mexicana, a Mexican labor union, that claimed the plant’s operator, Teklas Automotive México S.A. de C.V., is violating workers’ freedom of association and collective bargaining rights.

“Mexican law offers robust protections on the right to form unions. Today’s decision sends a strong message to employers that dismissals in retaliation for protected union activity will not be tolerated,â€ said Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs Thea Lee. “We look forward to our continued collaboration with the Mexican government in addressing these issues.â€

The petition alleges the company dismissed four Liga Sindical Obrera Mexicana delegates as retaliation for their support of the union’s effort to obtain collective bargaining rights. The U.S. government’s investigation found evidence to support the allegations and determined a request for review under the USMCA was merited. 

“Once again, we are utilizing the Rapid Response Mechanism to address a serious violation of workers’ rights: an employer terminating workers for engaging in union activity,â€ said Ambassador Katherine Tai. “Today’s action underscores the United States’ commitment to using the tools established in the USMCA to protect workers’ rights to organize for and join the union of their choice. We look forward to working closely with the government of Mexico to resolve the issues present in this matter.â€

Sufficient and credible evidence supporting the denial of rights enabled the committee to invoke the Rapid Response Mechanism under the USMCA. Mexico’s government has 10 days to decide whether to conduct a review and 45 days to investigate the claims and present its findings. 

A Turkish-owned company, Teklas supplies global automotive fluid circulation systems for original equipment manufacturers. Its Aguascalientes plant employs 600 workers.

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