WASHINGTON – Workers at the Tridonex auto parts facility in Matamoros, Mexico voted yesterday in a union representation election to determine which union will have the right to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement on behalf of Tridonex workers.
Here is what they are saying about the announcement:
Reuters: Independent union wins workers' vote at Mexico's Tridonex plant
“Workers at Mexico's Tridonex auto-parts plant on Monday voted overwhelmingly in favor of appointing a new union, in a poll being closely watched in the United States after allegations of worker rights abuses at the plant…Workers at the plant in the northern Mexico city of Matamoros began campaigning about two years ago to replace a union that they accused of failing to push for higher wages.”
Associated Press: Mexico sees 2nd major win for independent unions
“Employees at a U.S.-operated border assembly plant in the northern Mexico city of Matamoros have overwhelmingly voted to have an independent union represent them. The vote tallies at the Tridonex autoparts plant mark the second victory over undemocratic, old-guard unions that had long kept wages at rock-bottom levels in Mexico.”
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden [D-OR] and Senate Banking Committee Chairman Sherrod Brown [D-OH]: “We put in place the Brown–Wyden rapid response mechanism (RRM) to fight the race-to-the-bottom that encourages outsourcing and depresses wages for American workers, by supporting Mexican workers’ struggles to achieve better wages and working conditions. The Brown-Wyden labor enforcement provision in USMCA is working: when we stand with workers in Mexico, we lift up American workers. We look forward to the company recognizing and bargaining in good faith with the new independent union.”
House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal [MA-01], Trade Subcommittee Chairman Earl Blumenauer [OR-03], Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Bill Pascrell, Jr. [NJ-09], and Congressman Dan Kildee [MI-05]: “This achievement was only possible because we secured an effective labor rapid response mechanism in the USMCA for workers on both sides of the border to utilize, and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai robustly enforced it. Yesterday’s election further proves the power of effective trade enforcement to protect workers’ rights internationally and support workers at home. We look forward to working with Ambassador Tai and President Biden on continued robust enforcement of our trade tools that ensures more democratic workplace elections, and promotes better wages and working conditions for workers at home and abroad."
House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03): “A worker’s right to form a union, to advocate for better wages and safer working conditions is critical. This victory would not have been possible without the labor standards and enforcement mechanisms included in USMCA. As we continue to see the fruits of the renegotiated NAFTA, I applaud Ambassador Katherine Tai for her skilled negotiations and tireless efforts to secure these labor protections.”
Congressman Chuy García [D-IL-04]: “I am glad to see that Tridonex workers will have a strong, independent voice at work! I applaud these brave workers and @USTradeRep @AmbassadorTai for their work to protect workers rights in Mexico as well as the US.”
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler: “We congratulate SNITIS and its members after their historic victory in the election to represent workers at the Tridonex auto parts factory in Matamoros, Mexico. The AFL-CIO filed the first petition under the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) Rapid Response Mechanism that helped make this election possible, and we will continue to support the union’s fight to negotiate a fair contract with the company…We will continue to follow this case closely and look forward to working with SNITIS to improve the lives of workers on both sides of the border.”
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