Inditex Supplier Accused of Labor Rights Violations; Case May Escalate Under USMCA

Web Editor

November 9, 2025

a sign that reads,'indiaex'is above a tree with leaves in the foreground and a blue sky in the backg

Background on the Parties Involved

Grupo Logístico Integral, S.A.P.I. de C.V., a distributor of Inditex products (including Zara), faces a lawsuit before the Federal Labor Tribunal for Collective Matters due to alleged systematic violations of workers’ rights to freedom of association, collective organization, and collective bargaining.

The Presidente Adolfo López Mateos union accuses the company of hindering the collective bargaining process initiated in March 2025, using intimidation tactics against employees. These practices include imposing an alternative union (Felipe Sánchez Solís), conditioning overtime pay, and denying access to union representatives to inform workers.

Details of the Allegations

According to the complaint, despite obtaining the necessary signatures for a Certificate of Representativeness, the company has blocked dialogue and collective bargaining processes, creating an atmosphere of intimidation. Workers claim they do not recognize the company-promoted union and fear reprisals if they continue supporting their chosen organization.

The Certificate of Representativeness (CFCRL-CONSTANCIA-20250617-41874-5993) was issued by the Federal Center for Labor Conciliation and Registration (CFCRL) to workers of Grupo Logístico Integral, S.A.P.I. de C.V., which distributes products for the Inditex/Zara corporate group. The certificate is valid for six months from its issuance date, during which the union can request the initiation of a legitimization or collective bargaining agreement process, as per Article 387 of the LFT.

Location and Company Operations

The labor center verified that the workplace is located in Nextlalpan, State of Mexico, and its primary activity involves a textile storage and distribution center that supplies the Inditex/Zara corporate group.

Legal Context and Potential Escalation

With this formal recognition from the CFCRL, the Presidente Adolfo López Mateos union gains legitimacy to represent workers before labor authorities and employers, in a context where freedom of association and collective bargaining have become cornerstones of the 2019 labor reform and commitments under the USMCA.

Roberto Mendoza, General Secretary of the Presidente Adolfo López Mateos union, stated that the lawsuit aims to compel the company to cease labor rights violations. He warned that if the conflict remains unresolved domestically, international instances will be approached, as the case is believed to breach ILO conventions and USMCA labor provisions.

“If the company’s refusal to respect labor rights persists, it could activate the USMCA Labor Rapid Response Mechanism due to a direct violation of workers’ rights to organize and collectively bargain,” said the union leader.

Current Status and Broader Implications

Grupo Logístico Integral has yet to issue an official statement regarding the accusations. This case adds to labor tensions in Mexico, where the effective implementation of the 2019 labor reform and USMCA commitments is closely monitored by the governments of the United States and Canada.

Key Questions and Answers

  • What is the main issue in this case? The Presidente Adolfo López Mateos union accuses Grupo Logístico Integral of violating workers’ rights to freedom of association, collective organization, and collective bargaining.
  • What actions has the company allegedly taken? The union claims the company has hindered collective bargaining, imposed an alternative union, conditioned overtime pay, and denied access to union representatives.
  • What is the Certificate of Representativeness? It’s a formal recognition issued by the CFCRL, granting the union legitimacy to represent workers and initiate collective bargaining processes.
  • What are the potential consequences if the company continues violating labor rights? The union may escalate the case to international instances, potentially activating the USMCA Labor Rapid Response Mechanism.
  • Why is this case significant? It highlights labor tensions in Mexico and the ongoing monitoring of the 2019 labor reform and USMCA commitments by the US and Canadian governments.