Mexico Rejects Second Rapid Response Request Under USMCA

Mexico said it disagrees with the U.S. government allegation that Grupo Yakazi, an auto parts factory in Guanajuato, was violating the rights of its workers. The U.S. filed the complaint in early August (see 2308070065); the Mexican Economy Secretary announced on Aug. 18 it is rejecting the complaint.

This is the second time that Mexico has rejected a U.S. complaint about labor practices at a company; the previous time, about a mine in Zacatacas, was because the issue predated the USMCA, which Mexico calls T-MEC, for Treaty Entre (between) Mexico, Estados Unidos (U.S.) and Canada.

The Mexican center for labor registries and conciliation determined there wasn't substantive proof of employer interference or a violation of the right to form a union by the company.

Mexico said it already had told U.S. government officials, before the rapid response complaint was filed, that the government agency that works on legitimizing union contracts had resolved a disagreement between unions.

The U.S. had said a Mexican labor organization said there were irregularities during the workers' vote in March on whether to retain the union that had been representing them.

Yazaki Group is one of the largest private auto components suppliers, with 285,000 employees worldwide. They make wiring harnesses and other electrical components.

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative did not issue a press release after Mexico's announcement.