US, Mexico Agree on Remediation at Manufacturas VU
Manufacturas VU, the only manufacturer in Mexico to be subject to two rapid response complaints on labor rights, has agreed to a course of action to satisfy both Mexico and the U.S., and to avoid any penalties on its automotive exports.
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The plant in Piedras Negras, a location of a Michigan-headquartered supplier of interior automotive trims, first settled a complaint in September (see 2301300030), but in January, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative opened another complaint.
The plant will have to "make a public, written statement" that affirms its neutrality in union activities, pledges to bargain in good faith, commits to respecting the right of workers to choose their own union, and promises to discipline or fire "company personnel who violate the principles in this statement."
The remediation plan, released March 31, also says the company will cooperate with any Mexican investigation of alleged labor violations. It says the U.S. parent company will visit the Mexican plant no later than April 21 to underscore these commitments to workers.
The plan also says: "Manufacturas VU will take appropriate action against members of the facility’s current Human Resources staff who have violated workers’ rights to freedom of association or collective bargaining, including terminating staff where appropriate, and restructure its Human Resources Management to incorporate suitable, neutral personnel who are not involved in the conflict to provide confidence to the parties."
Mexico agreed that its authorities will not authorize any union for the plant until litigation in Mexican courts is complete.
Deputy Undersecretary for International Labor Affairs Thea Lee said the U.S. commends the Mexican government "for committing to take action to remedy a denial of workers’ rights at VU, including taking the important step of initiating sanctions proceedings to deter future violations. This will send a strong message beyond this facility.”