Washington – The US-Mexico-Canada Agreement’s Interagency Labor Committee for Monitoring and Enforcement today requested the Government of Mexico to review the Tecnologia Modificada facility in Nuevo Laredo.
The facility is operated by a subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., one of the world’s leading manufacturers of construction and mining equipment and other products.
Co-chair of the US Department of Labor and US Trade Representative Interagency Labor Committee.
The petition was filed on September 25, 2023 by the National Industrial Union of Industry and Service Workers “20/32 Movement” under the USMCA’s Rapid Response Labor Mechanism alleging that the company illegally fired a worker for union organizing. Involved in several activities which interfered with trade union activities.
A US government investigation found evidence to support the allegations, leading to a request for a review.
„We take very seriously the allegations of employer interference in union activities in this case, including the firing of a worker for organizing. These actions undermine workers’ rights and the development of free and independent unions. Mexican labor reform and the USMCA Rapid Response Mechanism are designed to address precisely this type of incident.” „We look forward to working closely with the Mexican government to address these issues and build on our positive track record,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Thea Lee.
Sufficient and credible evidence supporting the denial of technologia modificada workers’ rights allowed the Committee to invoke the USMCA’s Rapid Response Labor Mechanism.
„Employees have the right to organize and elect a union of their choice without reprisal or interference from their employer.” Ambassador Catherine Tai said. „Today’s action demonstrates the firm commitment of the United States to use the RRM to protect workers’ exercise of these fundamental rights. We look forward to working closely with the Government of Mexico to resolve existing issues on this issue.”
Mexico’s government has 10 days to decide whether to conduct a review and 45 days to investigate the claims and present its findings.
The Tecnologia Modificada facility in Nuevo Laredo refurbishes electronic mechanical components used in Caterpillar tractors, earth movers and other heavy equipment.
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