Background on the Issue
Mondelez workers in Puebla, Mexico, have turned to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to request an investigation into labor rights violations at their workplace. The workers aim to activate the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) under the USMCA and seek an investigation into Mondelez due to the suppression of genuine trade union freedom and collective bargaining.
Who is Hiram Sánchez Pavón?
Hiram Sánchez Pavón is the Subdirector of International Relations at Conlabor, the National Labor Council. His role in this situation highlights the importance of labor rights advocacy and the workers’ efforts to seek international support.
Key Grievances and Demands
- Suppression of Trade Union Freedom: Mondelez workers claim that the company has prevented genuine trade union freedom and collective bargaining, which are essential for a fair working environment.
- Formation of Authentic Workers’ Union: The workers aim to establish an authentic union under the protection of the RRM, allowing them to manage their collective agreement.
- Imposed Sindicate: Currently, the Unión de Trabajadores y Empleados de la Industria de Alimentos y Bebidas en General (UTEYICBC) is imposed on the workers, linked to the Federación de Sindicatos Jesús Moreno Jiménez in the State of Mexico. Workers claim they were not consulted about the Constancia de Representatividad (Certificate of Representativity).
Current Situation and Next Steps
Workers have denounced the lack of consultation regarding the Constancia de Representatividad, which led to the imposition of the UTEYICBC. They now await validation from the DOL within the next 30 days, hoping that the department will recognize their grievances and initiate an investigation into Mondelez’s labor practices.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM)? The RRM is a provision under the USMCA that allows workers to request immediate federal investigation into labor rights violations.
- What is the Constancia de Representatividad? It is a document issued by the Mexican labor authorities that recognizes a union as the official representative of workers in a specific workplace.
- Why are Mondelez workers seeking international support? By approaching the U.S. Department of Labor, Mondelez workers aim to ensure their voices are heard and that their labor rights are protected under international agreements.
