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26 April, 2018Six independent trade unions representing workers in automotive, auto parts, logistics, rubber and aerospace in Mexico will form an alliance to build democratic unions in the country and ensure workers have the right to join genuine unions of their choice.
Mexico is largely dominated by so called ‘protection contracts’ meaning a partnership between unions and employers against the interests of the workers.
The group, which includes unions representing workers at carmakers Volkswagen, Audi, and Nissan, tyre manufacturers, Bridgestone and General Tyre (Continental), and aerospace multinational, Bombardier, met in San Luis Potosí on 13 April. The unions discussed important aspects such as the name, structure, principles, objectives, work plan and operating rules of the new alliance. These matters will now deliberated in the individual unions.
The meeting also approved a solidarity campaign with Bridgestone workers, took a position against the proposed new labour reform and made plans for a joint meeting to be held in September with with a broader group of international allies.
The meeting was attended by IndustriALL director Georg Leutert and Fernando Lopes, adviser to IndustriALL’s Brazilian affiliate, CNM-CUT.
Leutert expressed IndustriALL’s support in strengthening genuine unions in Mexico and fighting protection contracts, signed between companies and ghost trade unions, which deny workers the right to freedom of association and the right to bargain collectively.
Lopes stressed that the CNM-CUT will continue to strengthen the ties between unions in the sector in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico.
The meeting included a press conference where the unions outlined their common objectives and values, as well as their common position against proposed labour reforms in Mexico, which have now been postponed until after the general elections on 1 July.
A follow-up meeting is scheduled for July 6.