Volkswagen of Mexico Plant Rehiring Fired Union Workers

Eight former Volkswagen factory workers who were union representatives will be reinstated with back pay, and one fired worker will receive severance pay, according to a remediation plan for Volkswagen de México, the largest auto manufacturing plant in Mexico, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced July 30.

“Respect for workers’ rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining is at the heart of U.S.-Mexico trade under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, and the agreement’s Rapid Response Mechanism is vital to protecting these rights, especially in the auto industry,” Deputy Undersecretary of Labor for International Affairs Thea Lee said.

The company also is disseminating statements about how it is neutral in which union represents its workers, publicizing a confidential phone line and email address to report violations of their rights, and is training its employees on union rights. The dismissed workers had petitioned the U.S. government through USMCA's rapid response mechanism April 24.