Background on SINTTIA and Relevance
The Independent National Union of Workers and Workers of the Automotive Industry (SINTTIA) is a labor union representing workers in Mexico’s automotive industry. SINTTIA has been actively involved in organizing workers and advocating for their rights, making it a crucial player in the current situation concerning Yazaki León.
Yazaki León Plant Closure Announcement
Yazaki León, an automotive parts manufacturer, informed its workers verbally of its intention to cease operations without providing technical justification or formal notification to authorities. This announcement has sparked concern and prompted SINTTIA to take action.
SINTTIA’s Response
SINTTIA, led by General Secretary Alejandra Morales, has declared its intention to pursue legal and labor actions to prevent the plant closure. Morales asserts that there is no evidence supporting the closure and suspects it may be an act of retaliation against workers organizing a union and nearing the contract collective bargaining title validation.
Legal and Labor Actions
- Impugn the closure: SINTTIA will challenge the closure in labor courts based on Articles 434 and 435 of the Federal Labor Law, which require companies to legally justify the cause and formally notify relevant authorities. This has not been done.
- Pressure for contract validation: The union will push for swift Infonavit list validation and counting to obtain contract collective bargaining title and full legal representation for workers.
- Activate T-MEC Rapid Response Mechanism: SINTTIA has initiated the T-MEC Rapid Response Mechanism due to alleged retaliation for union activities and delays in the organization process. The US government can request a remediation plan from Mexico within 90 days, and SINTTIA will seek urgent intervention from the Labor Secretary for a plant inspection and exploration of alternatives like relocating operations within the same state.
Impact on Workers
Approximately 2,400 workers, mostly women and single mothers, along with employees with work-related injuries or disabilities, would be affected by the closure. This action would leave them jobless during the crucial holiday season.
Addressing Yazaki’s Claims
Despite Yazaki’s claim of geological risk, production has not ceased, and normal activities continue. Children’s events have even been held at the facility. If there were genuine danger, the plant would be evacuated, and civil protection would have intervened. This confirms that the closure is politically motivated and antisocial.
Worker Advice from SINTTIA
SINTTIA advises workers not to sign resignations or accept individual severance packages without consulting the union. If necessary, they will pursue collective lawsuits to ensure legal indemnification and prevent the company from closing without fulfilling labor obligations.
