Introduction to the Mexican Companies Involved
The United States government has formally requested Mexico to review labor conditions at two separate facilities, adding two new cases under the Rapid Response Labor Mechanism (MLRR) of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (T-MEC).
The companies targeted are Mondelēz México and the maritime operation of Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement México (BSM) and PMI Norteamérica (PMI NASA), located in Campeche.
Mondelēz México Plant in Puebla
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced the request for review regarding Mondelēz México’s plant in Puebla, dedicated to the production of confectionery and other foods.
“The action stems from a petition filed on November 12 by the independent union Unión General de México (UGM), which raised concerns about potential denial of the rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining,” the article explains.
- Alleged Violations: Interference with union activities, retaliation against workers attempting independent organization, threats, restricted access to the plant, discriminatory reassignments, dismissals, and labor terminations linked to union activity.
- US Order: Suspension of unliquidated entry duties for goods from this facility pending the investigation.
BSM and PMI Norteamérica (Campeche) Case
Simultaneously, the US requested a review under the MLRR against a hotel barge operation run by Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement México (BSM) and PMI Norteamérica (PMI NASA) in Campeche, following a November 12, 2025, complaint from the Mexican Order of Maritime and Port Professionals (ORDEN), another independent union.
This case is noteworthy as it involves the maritime sector, a less common area in T-MEC labor disputes.
- Accusations: Interference in union activities, obstruction of strike initiation, intimidation during forced disembarkation, and irregular dismissal of striking employees.
Timeline and Next Steps
Mexico has 10 days to accept the review request. If they agree, Mexico will have 45 days to conduct the investigation and determine if T-MEC labor rights have indeed been violated.
Should these violations be confirmed and not rectified, additional trade measures may result. The Campeche case will be closely watched by experts as it could influence future labor compliance criteria in the energy and maritime service industries.
Mexico’s Commitment to Labor Compliance
Gabriel Tamariz, during a previous session discussing the labor chapter among Mexico, the US, and Canada, affirmed that the Mexican government has consistently and timely addressed labor complaints under the MLRR. He reiterated Mexico’s commitment to maintaining this stance.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of these requests? The US seeks to ensure that Mondelēz México and the maritime operation of BSM and PMI NASA in Campeche comply with labor rights protected by the T-MEC.
- Which companies are involved? Mondelēz México in Puebla and the maritime operation of BSM and PMI NASA in Campeche.
- What are the alleged violations? Interference with union activities, retaliation against workers, threats, restricted access to facilities, discriminatory reassignments, dismissals, and labor terminations linked to union activity in both cases.
- What happens next? Mexico has 10 days to accept the review request. If they agree, an investigation will take place over 45 days to determine if labor rights have been violated.
- What could be the consequences? Additional trade measures may result if violations are confirmed and not rectified.
- Why is the Campeche case significant? It involves the maritime sector, a less common area in T-MEC labor disputes, and could influence future labor compliance criteria in the energy and maritime service industries.
