Allegations that a Panasonic Automotive Systems plant denied workers collective bargaining rights have successfully been resolved, the United States and Mexico announced July 18.
A Rapid Response Mechanism petition said the Reynosa, Mexico plant denied freedom of association and collective bargaining rights to workers, according to a U.S. Department of Labor news release. The workers’ petition was filed under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement and was the third time it was used by the Department of Labor and the U.S. Trade Representative to benefit workers.
"The Biden-Harris administration’s trade policies continue to support the rights of workers across North America to freely organize unions and choose their own representatives,” Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh said in the release. "By invoking the USMCA Rapid Response Mechanism in this case, we are ensuring that businesses consistently and uniformly respect workers’ freedom of association. I applaud this outcome and the efforts of all parties involved.”
The government of Mexico worked for the resolution that had Panasonic recognizing SNITIS, the independent union, as the workers’ sole bargaining representative, and the negotiation of a new collective bargaining agreement that increased workers’ wages, the release reported. Workers who were allegedly fired for participating in union activity were reinstated with full back pay.
“This announcement is yet another example of the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to defending the rights of workers, including those that live beyond our borders. By enforcing labor rights under the USMCA, we are creating a more competitive North American economy where workers and businesses can operate on a level playing field,” Ambassador Katherine Tai said. “I commend the government of Mexico for coordinating a prompt and thorough resolution to the concerns raised by Mexican workers.”
