USTR Says Complaint Improved Conditions at Panasonic in Mexico

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said that as a result of a labor rights complaint under USMCA, a Panasonic plant's management reimbursed workers for dues it had deducted for a union contract that workers did not choose, and negotiated a contract with an independent union that would provide a "significant wage increase."

A July 14 press release from USTR also said that Panasonic in Reynosa, Mexico, offered to rehire 26 workers who were allegedly fired for their union support and give them back pay.

USTR had originally filed the complaint with the Mexican government after workers at the plant had already chosen the independent union by a convincing vote (see 2205180061).

Although the rapid response mechanism allows the U.S. to withdraw tariff benefits for goods shipped from a plant that violates labor rights, each complaint so far has been settled without such action.