USMCA / Maquiladora Cleared

The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement’s (USMCA) Interagency Labor Committee for Monitoring and Enforcement announced a report by the Mexican government detailing actions taken to address workers' rights allegations at the Unique Fabricating facility in Querétaro, Mexico. The US Department of Labor and the U.S. Trade Representative co-chair the USMCA's Interagency Labor Committee.

The auto industry plastics manufacturer was accused of obstructing workers' freedom of association and right to collective bargaining, following a petition under the USMCA. Thea Lee, Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs, commended Mexico's focus on employer neutrality during its review.

On March 6, 2023, the committee requested a review after the "Transformación Sindical" union filed a USMCA Rapid Response Labor Mechanism petition, alleging Unique Fabricating denied union access to the facility and interfered with organizing efforts. U.S. Trade Ambassador Katherine Tai praised both governments and the company for their swift resolution.

Mexico’s government presented its findings within 45 days of the U.S. government's review request. The USMCA Rapid Response Labor Mechanism enables the U.S. to enforce action at an individual factory in Mexico based on compliance with domestic freedom of association and collective bargaining laws.

Unique Fabricating Inc., a Michigan-based company, supplies components for various industries and maintains production and warehouse facilities across North America.

The resolution marks the eighth successful RRM intervention benefiting workers.

Mexico's government conducted a review, taking several actions, including management and worker training, issuing a neutrality statement, and signing an agreement with the new union. The Mexican government also monitored a union representation vote at the facility.

The Mexican government determined that the alleged denial of rights was resolved during the review period.  With the actions taken by the Mexican government and the facility, the U.S. agrees that there is no ongoing denial of rights.

Ambassador Tai has directed the Treasury Secretary to resume liquidation of entries of goods from the Unique Fabricating facility.