September 25: USTR requests Mexico to review whether workers at Teklas Automotive plant in Aguascalientes are being denied right to freedom of association and collective bargaining. August 24, 2023 petition by La Liga Sindical Obrera Mexicana (LSOM) and the International Lawyers Attending Worker Network (ILAW Network) alleged that Teklas threatened and dismissed workers in retaliation for union organizing activity. Links: USTR press release; USTR request; USTR request to Treasury Department to suspend liquidation of entries of goods from Teklas Aguascalientes plant. Teklas is a Turkish-owned company that designs, develops and manufactures fluid systems for automotive heating and cooling lines.
October 5: Mexican government agrees to this review; government has 35 days from October 5 to determine whether such denials of rights have taken place.
December 8: Ministry of Economy issues joint communiqué that after concluding its investigation into alleged denial of freedom of association and collective bargaining rights by Teklas Automotive Mexico, and sharing the results with USTR on November 9, both sides have made progress on agreeing on a plan of remediation.
January 30, 2024: Liga Sindical Obrera Mexicana (LSOM) reported to have won union representation election at Teklas Automotive Mexico; management committed to negotiate a new contract with LSOM.