Grupo Yasaki settles labor probe at U.S., Mexico auto parts plant – TODAY

Grupo Yasaki, Japanese conglomerate Yasaki Corp. The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) said in a statement that it agreed to issue a neutral statement and that the Mexican government would train workers, union representatives and the administration on labor rights.

In August, US labor officials called on Mexico to investigate possible abuses at the plant under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), citing a petition by a Mexican union that alleged irregularities in a vote on a labor contract.

Mexico rejected the request, saying there was not substantial evidence of employer interference in the vote, and the U.S. Trade Representative’s office said Wednesday that rights should not be denied.

According to Mexican authorities, Grupo Yasaki took action by posting a statement of neutrality on its website and at all of its workplaces.

“This reaffirms the policy of zero tolerance against any retaliatory measures, threats or harassment against workers,” Mexico’s economy and labor ministries said in a statement.

Companies have been closely monitoring the progress of many complaints filed by U.S. workers since the USMCA took effect in 2020, which provides stricter rules on workers’ rights than the previous trade agreement, NAFTA. Under the USMCA, companies are subject to fines if they fail to promptly resolve worker complaints.