The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement’s Interagency Labor Committee for Monitoring and Enforcement has requested that the Mexican government review alleged denial of workers’ rights at the Bader leather car interior manufacturing facility in León, Guanajuato. The committee is co-chaired by the Department of Labor and the Office of the Trade Representative.
This request follows an August 14, 2024, petition filed by a former Bader worker. The petition claims that the company systematically prevents the formation of an independent union and alleges harassment, employer interference, and unlawful dismissal of workers. It also accuses the company of creating an employer-controlled labor committee to simulate worker representation and undermine organizing efforts. The allegations suggest violations of workers’ rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining.
“We are deeply concerned by the reports of anti-union actions at the Bader facility. Such conduct is unacceptable and erodes workers’ fundamental rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining,” said Deputy Undersecretary for International Labor Affairs Thea Lee. “The USMCA Rapid Response Mechanism and Mexico’s labor law reforms are designed to address these kinds of violations. We look forward to working closely with the Mexican government to resolve these issues and to reinforce the high labor standards committed to under the USMCA.”
“By initiating the Rapid Response Mechanism, we are standing firm in supporting workers’ rights to join the union of their choice and participate in union activities without facing dismissal, retaliation or discrimination,” said Ambassador Katherine Tai. “We are eager to continue working closely with the Government of Mexico to address the ongoing denials of rights at this facility.”
The Mexican government has 10 days to decide whether it will conduct a review and 45 days to investigate the claims and present its findings.
BADER de Mexico, also known as Bader Leather Mexico, is a subsidiary of Bader GmbH & Co. KG, a German multinational company. It employs about 1,500 union-eligible employees who produce leather for vehicle interiors for U.S. export. Its clients include automotive brands such as Audi, BMW, Chrysler, GM, Honda, Mercedes Benz, Stellantis, and Tesla.
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