The US Trade Representative’s (USTR) request earlier this month marked the third US labor complaint under a new trade deal that aims to improve labor conditions in Mexico.
Mexico’s economy minister said he sent his response on Thursday and would review the case with the labor minister to determine whether workers’ rights had been violated under the U.S. deal. -Mexico-Canada (USMCA) of 2020.
The Mexican union that called for the investigation, SNITIS, accused Panasonic of signing a union contract behind the workers’ backs and firing dozens of employees who protested.
Panasonic Corp of North America said it “respects and supports” the rights to free association and collective bargaining and does not believe they have been violated. The Japanese conglomerate unit added that it would cooperate with the Mexican authorities.