Introduction
The United States government has formally requested Mexico to review labor conditions at two separate facilities, activating two new proceedings under the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The companies in question are Mondelez Mexico and the maritime operations of Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement Mexico (BSM) and PMI Norteamerica (PMI NASA), located in Campeche.
Mondelez Mexico Plant in Puebla
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced the request for review of Mondelez Mexico’s plant in Puebla, which produces confectionery and other food products. This action stems from a petition filed on November 12 by the independent Union General de México (UGM). The allegations, deemed “sufficient and credible” by the Interinstitutional Committee for Monitoring and Application (ILC), suggest possible infringement of workers’ rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining.
- Alleged violations include 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.
- As part of the process, the US ordered a suspension of unliquidated entry clearances for goods from this facility.
BSM and PMI Norteamerica (Campeche) Operations
Simultaneously, the US requested a RRM review against a floating hotel operation managed by Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement Mexico (BSM) and PMI Norteamerica (PMI NASA), located in Campeche. This request originates from a November 12, 2025, complaint filed by 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 USMCA labor disputes.
- Accusations against the companies include interference in union activities, obstruction of strike initiation, intimidation during forced disembarkations, and irregular dismissals of striking employees.
Timeline and Next Steps
The Mexican government has 10 days to accept the review request. If they agree, they have up to 45 days to conduct an investigation and determine whether USMCA-protected labor rights have been violated. Should these proceedings confirm violations and fail to implement corrective actions, additional trade measures may result. The Campeche case will be closely watched by experts, as it could influence future labor compliance criteria within the energy and maritime service industries.
