The United States announced on March 17 the successful resolution of a Rapid Response Labor Mechanism matter at the ThyssenKrupp Springs & Stabilizers de México, S. de R.L. de C.V. facility in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
The announcement said that the United States has resumed liquidation of tariffs on goods from the ThyssenKrupp facility, which manufactures automotive suspension components. Actions taken by the facility include reinstating two workers under their previous terms and conditions after they were dismissed for union activity and issuing full payment of backpay and benefits; signing an agreement with La Liga Sindical Obrera Mexicana, an independent union, establishing a facility protocol; and adopting company guidelines on freedom of association and collective bargaining with a zero-tolerance policy for violations. All company personnel have been trained on these guidelines and neutrality commitments.
The Government of Mexico also delivered in-person trainings for all company personnel on freedom of association and collective bargaining, monitored the facility, and engaged with workers and management throughout its review period.
According to the statement, "Based on these measures, the United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Greer, has directed the Secretary of the Treasury to resume liquidation of unliquidated entries of goods from the facility." The background provided explains that a petition was received by La Liga Sindical Obrera Mexicana, United Steelworkers, and International Lawyers Assisting Workers Network alleging violations at ThyssenKrupp related to interference in union activity and retaliatory dismissals. The Interagency Labor Committee for Monitoring and Enforcement reviewed this petition within 30 days and determined there was sufficient evidence to invoke enforcement mechanisms.
As reported by the Department of Labor, $3.4 million in Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations grants were announced on August 24, 2022 through its Women’s Bureau and Employment and Training Administration. Phoenix, Arizona received $542,358 through Fresh Start Women’s Foundation.
The United States concluded that there is no ongoing denial of rights at ThyssenKrupp following remediation actions by both Mexico's government and company management according to the official roster page.
