U.S., Mexico reach agreement to address labor rights violations at VU Manufacturas plant

An agreement has been reached by the U.S. and Mexico on how to address a second petition filed under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement’s Rapid Response Labor Mechanism at the VU Manufacturas plant. Located in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, the auto parts facility is accused of “denial of freedom of association rights that undermined the majority union’s ability to represent workers in collective bargaining negotiations and their right to strike.”

In the agreement, VU will work to create a culture that respects the workers’ union and allows the union activities to be conducted without interference. As part of their commitment, employees who undermine workers’ rights will face consequences that include termination of employment. The Mexican government has also agreed to provide in-person training to all VU employees on the rights of unions during negotiations and strikes. VU will also be held responsible by the government for violating workers’ freedom of association and collective bargaining rights. 

In a recent quote, Deputy Undersecretary for International Labor Affairs Thea Lee said, “The Biden-Harris administration remains steadfast in addressing denials of labor rights under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement and to achieving sustainable freedom of association and collective bargaining rights across Mexico. We commend the government of Mexico 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.”