February 16, 2024: USTR announced that the US had asked Mexico to review whether workers at RV Fresh Foods S.A. de C.V. plant, which produces guacamole in Uruapan in the state of Michoacán, are being denied right to freedom of association and collective bargaining. This is the first RRM request in the processed food sector. Links: USTR press release; US request for RRM review; USTR letter to US Treasury Department directing suspension of guacamole imports from RV Fresh Foods plant.
According to USTR press release, January 17 petition, by Mexican union Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores y Empleados de la Industria del Comercio, Alimenticia, Textil, Automotriz, Metalúrgica, Servicios y Distribución Generalísimo José María Morelos y Pavón and union confederation Confederación Central Nacional (COCENA), alleged that RV Fresh Foods interfered with union activities by e.g. restricting union access to the plant and intervening union delegate election process. US government then determined that there is sufficient, credible evidence of a denial of rights.