US Trade Representative Katherine Tai said in a letter to Economy Secretary Tatiana Clouthier that her office was concerned that workers were being denied free association and collective bargaining rights at Panasonic Automotive Systems de Mexico. .
Panasonic Corp 6752.T said in a statement that it “respects and supports our employees’ rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining” and that it does not believe it has denied these rights.
The unit of the Japanese industrial conglomerate added that it “will continue to comply with all legal requirements … and will cooperate with the authorities as requested by the Mexican government in their review.”
“When concerns arise, we will work quickly to defend workers on both sides of the border,” Tai said in a statement.
The Ministry of Economy said on Wednesday night that it received the request for review, so it will carry out the respective consultations with the Ministry of Labor.
“The Government of Mexico reiterates its commitment to the effective application of the provisions established in the T-MEC and in national legislation, thereby guaranteeing transparency and certainty for the workers of Mexico,” the agency said.
The Mexican government has 10 days to agree to a review.
The Mexican union that requested the investigation, SNITIS, accused Panasonic of signing a union contract behind the workers’ backs and firing several dozen employees who protested.
With information from Reuters
