The case of an alleged violation of labor rights by the company Odisa Concrete Equipment, located in Atotonilco de Tula, Hidalgo, has been “successfully” closed, reported the Secretariats of Economy and Labor and Social Welfare (STPS).
The alleged denial of freedom of association and collective bargaining rights in said company was resolved under the Rapid Response Labor Mechanism in Specific Facilities (MLRR) of the Treaty between Mexico, the United States and Canada (T-MEC).
The agencies detailed that after an internal investigation carried out by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS), various determinations were reached related to alleged employer interference in union affairs by Odisa, the alleged negotiation of a collective bargaining contract with a union that does not have the Proof of Representativeness and the alleged improper discount of union dues.
During the 45 days of investigation, the company carried out repair actions in coordination with the STPS such as:
- Publish and disseminate a letter of commitment to neutrality in union affairs and a document that defines the guidelines of conduct by company personnel.
- Train all your plant personnel on the content of the neutrality letter and the conduct guidelines.
- Facilitate the STPS to train all plant personnel on the rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining in Mexico.
- Reinstate a working person.
- Sign a commitment letter in which you expressed your willingness to reinstate or liquidate a worker, according to your choice, in accordance with the provisions of the LFT.
- Refund union dues improperly deducted from workers.
It should be remembered that in October 2024the US government filed the complaint under the T-MEC mechanism for Mexico to conduct an investigation, after the workers denounced the denial of their labor rights.
The request issued by the United States Trade Representative asked the Mexican government to examine whether Odisa workers were being denied the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining.
Subsequently, in December of last year, both governments announced the successful resolution of the Rapid Response Labor Mechanism, following the reinstatement of a worker “wrongfully” fired for participating in union activities.”
In a statement the United States Department of Labor (DOL) and the trade representation (USTR) reported last month that “to remedy the workers’ claims, the Government of Mexico facilitated a resolution and Odisa took several measures, including the publication of a declaration of neutrality, the creation of guidelines on freedom of association and collective bargaining, the reinstatement of a dismissed worker with the payment of lost wages”.
This complaint was the 29th filed through the Rapid Response Labor Mechanism of the Agreement between the United States, Mexico and Canada by the Department and the Office of the United States Trade Representative to benefit workers in association with Mexico.
Odisa Concrete Equipment SA de CV manufactures and exports concrete equipment and material handling equipment, including sheet metal and aluminum products, to more than 35 countries, and was founded in 1976.
(With information from Pilar Martínez.)
