Liquidation Suspended for Fujikura Automotive Mexico in Piedras Negras

The Office of U.S. Trade Representative asked Mexico to investigate Fujikura Automotive Mexico's factory in Piedras Negras, which it says may be blacklisting workers who were active in the union at Manufacturas VU. Manufacturas VU was the target of two rapid response labor mechanism findings under USMCA, and closed rather than implement the remediation plan that Mexico and the U.S. required it to do to maintain tariff benefits under the pact (see 2310100066).

"This request for review is one of many ways we are working with the Government of Mexico to ensure former Manufacturas VU workers’ rights are protected," the office said.

“The practices of blacklisting and discrimination in hiring for engaging in protected union activity undercut workers’ right to organize and choose a union freely. They are also a direct threat to the historic labor progress in Mexico,” Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs Thea Lee said. “We appreciate the Government of Mexico’s responsiveness in conducting labor inspections related to issues raised in the petition and look forward to continuing our close collaboration to resolve this matter.”