US Department of Labor, US Trade Representative applaud effort that ends workers’ rights violations at Teksid Hierro auto parts plant Publisher: Department of Labor Byline: Christine Feroli Dateline: Washington, D.C. Date: 16 August 2022 Subjects: American Government , Labor Topic: Teksid

On June 6, 2022, Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai made it known that the U.S. had asked Mexico to review denial of worker’s rights of free association and collective bargaining at the facility.

A review of the allegations led the Mexican government to acknowledge the denial of rights and to facilitate an agreement between Los Mineros, an independent labor union, and Teksid, that addresses the claims in the petition. As a result, the company now recognizes the independent union as the workers’ sole bargaining representative, will repay dues owed to Los Mineros for multiple years and has reinstated – with full back pay – 36 workers terminated reportedly for participating in union activity and a peaceful protest at the facility.

“The labor and trade policies of the Biden-Harris administration continue to make workers’ interests a priority, and the outcome at the Teksid auto parts plant shows the benefits of these policies,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “The measures taken after invoking the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement Rapid Response Mechanism will help end eight years of rights violations against Teksid workers and advance their freedom of association and ability to collectively bargain.”

“We appreciate our collaboration with Mexico’s Secretariat of Labor and Social Welfare in the successful closure of the Rapid Response Mechanism petition and will continue to monitor the situation with our Mexican counterparts,” Secretary Walsh added.

During investigation of the allegations, attachés from the department’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs visited Frontera to interview stakeholders, conduct worker testimony and collect evidence that helped lead to the successful resolution. The Teksid Hierro facility develops, industrializes and manufactures cylinder heads and cylinder blocks for industrial vehicles, including Cummins, Volvo and Mack trucks.

“This resolution is yet another example of the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to defending the rights of workers. This successful outcome demonstrates that we are creating a more competitive North American economy where workers and unions can operate on a level playing field,” said Ambassador Katherine Tai. “The actions announced today reflect the shared intent of the United States and Mexico to ensure that trade benefits workers on both sides of the border. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with the Government of Mexico to defend the rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining.”

Filed under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, the Teksid petition marks the fourth time the U.S. government has successfully used the mechanism to benefit workers.

Learn more about the department’s international work.

Agency: Office of the Secretary
Date: August 16, 2022
Release Number: 22-1595-NAT

Media Contact: Christine Feroli
Phone Number: 202-693-4664
Email: feroli.christine.e@dol.gov