Rapid Response Complaint Lodged for Mine in Zacatecas

The U.S. invoked the rapid response labor mechanism for a lead, zinc and cooper mine owned by Grupo Mexico, the second time the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has used the USMCA tool outside the auto parts sector.

The U.S. said the mine is operating with workers who crossed a strike picket line "without waiting for appropriate authorization from the Mexican courts." It also said it believes management at the San Martin mine is bargaining with a union that has not been authorized by law to represent the workers.

It's the 11th complaint under the mechanism; all the past complaints that have been resolved were settled without the U.S. withdrawing tariff benefits from the exports of the facility. Liquidation is suspended for goods from San Martin while the investigation is ongoing.

“Earlier this week, the United States invoked the Rapid Response Labor Mechanism at an Industrias del Interior (INISA) garment facility, the first time we have used this tool in the garment sector. That action, combined with today’s announcement, highlights the RRM’s versatility in defending the rights of workers across industries,” Tai said in a news release June 16. “This mechanism complements Mexico’s labor reforms as our governments work together to create real and tangible change. We are grateful to our stakeholder partners for promptly raising these issues and look forward to working with the Government of Mexico in the weeks ahead.”

Grupo Mexico declined to comment.