The US asks Mexico to review possible denial of rights at the Volkswagen plant

“Today’s action reflects the United States’ unwavering commitment to ensuring that workers can participate in union activities without fear of retaliation. Workplaces must respect, not punish, workers who exercise their freedom of association and labor rights. collective bargaining, and that is how we are empowering workers and their communities through the USMCA,” said Ambassador Katherine Tai.

He added that to date, the MRR has directly benefited almost 30,000 workers and their families. “We look forward to working with the Government of Mexico to address the problems at this facility.”

For her part, the Deputy Undersecretary of International Affairs, Thea Lee, highlighted concern about the alleged violations of freedom of association at the Volkswagen plant in Puebla, especially given its historical place in Mexico’s economy and its independent trade union movement.

“Retaliation against workers for their union activities is unacceptable and violates the fundamental rights protected by the T-MEC,” he stated.

While this request is being reviewed, the United States has suspended the liquidation of tariffs on goods from the plant that makes Volkswagen vehicles and auto parts.

The former workers’ petition alleges that Volkswagen de México fired them in retaliation for union activity they engaged in while serving as representatives.

Given this, the United States Trade Representative has submitted a request to the Government of Mexico to review whether Volkswagen de México workers are being denied the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining.

Mexico has 10 days to agree to conduct a review and, if it agrees, 45 days from today to complete the review.

Volkswagen will cooperate in investigation

Following the announcement, Volkswagen said it was fully willing to cooperate with the Mexican and United States authorities participating in the investigation.

“We have been informed that the United States Trade Representative is investigating a claim at our Puebla vehicle plant, under the Rapid Response Labor Mechanism. Because this is an ongoing investigation, we cannot share specific details of the case” , the company reported in a statement.

Volkswagen assured that it has always respected the rights of its workers to free association and collective bargaining, “it has a strong history of productive work with union representations at a global level.

Mexico responds to request

On Friday, June 7, the Ministry of Economy informed the Office of the United States Trade Representative of the admission of the review request, regarding a possible denial of freedom of association and collective bargaining rights at the Volkswagen facility in Mexico. located in Cuautlancingo, Puebla, the above, under the protection of the MRR.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare will conduct, within a period of 45 days from the date the request was received, an internal review to determine whether there is a denial of rights in the Volkswagen Mexico company.

With information from Reuters