U.S. files third labor complaint in Mexico, on behalf of Panasonic workers
By Daina Beth Solomon
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -U.S. labor officers requested Mexico on Wednesday to probe whether or not staff at a Panasonic auto elements manufacturing facility have been denied their rights, marking the third U.S. labor grievance below a brand new commerce deal that goals to enhance office situations in Mexico.
The request from the U.S. Commerce Consultant (USTR) follows a petition from a Mexican union asking the U.S. authorities to probe a Panasonic plant within the northern border metropolis of Reynosa, alleging violations of the 2020 United States-Mexico-Canada Settlement (USMCA).
U.S. Commerce Consultant Katherine Tai stated in a letter to Mexico’s Financial system Minister Tatiana Clouthier that the company was involved staff at Panasonic Automotive Techniques de Mexico have been being denied rights to free affiliation and collective bargaining, in breach of the USMCA.
Panasonic Corp of North America stated it “respects and helps” these rights and that it didn’t consider they’d been denied. The unit of the Japanese conglomerate added it could cooperate with Mexican authorities.
Tai famous that earlier USMCA labor complaints – one focusing on automaker Basic Motors and one other towards auto elements plant Tridonex – led to employee advantages.
The U.S. authorities reached agreements with each corporations with out imposing USMCA sanctions, which may embrace revoking tariff-free standing.
“When issues come up, we are going to work swiftly to face up for staff on either side of the border,” Tai stated in an announcement.
The Mexican authorities has 10 days to resolve whether or not to conduct a evaluation. The Financial system Ministry stated it obtained the U.S. request and would seek the advice of with the Labor Ministry earlier than sending a response.
The Mexican union that requested the inquiry, SNITIS, accused Panasonic of signing a union contract behind staff’ backs and of firing a number of dozen workers who protested. Days after submitting the petition final month, SNITIS gained a sweeping vote to turn out to be the plant’s new labor illustration.
U.S. Consultant Invoice Pascrell, a Democrat, referred to as for Panasonic to enter negotiations with SNITIS in good religion, and applauded the USTR grievance.
“Bettering labor situations is completely wanted to make sure jobs right here at dwelling aren’t being undermined,” he stated.
(Reporting by Daina Beth Solomon; Further reporting by David Shepardson in Washington; Enhancing by David Gregorio, Invoice Berkrot and Muralikumar Anantharaman)
