Union win at Mexican auto plant brings new hope for labour rights

Autoworkers in Silao assembled some of the most lucrative pick-up trucks sold in North America, yet earned a fraction of the wages paid to workers in the U.S. and Canada—an imbalance that has contributed to a collective lowering of work standards, hurting workers all across the continent.
In September 2017, Mexico's then-minister of economy Ildefonso Guajardo, left, Canada's then-minister of foreign affairs Chrystia Freeland, and the U.S.'s then-trade representative Robert E. Lighthizer gave a joint statement after the third round of negotiations to rework NAFTA.
Supporters of labour rights in Mexico won a big victory on May 26 when workers at General Motors’ biggest auto plant, located in the city of Silao, ratified a first collective agreement negotiated by their new, independently elected union SINTTIA. The Silao truck plant, built in 1996 on the heels...

To keep reading, subscribe and become a political insider.

Only $7.76 a week for an annual subscription.

Enjoy unlimited website access and the digital newspaper.

Cancel anytime.


Already a Subscriber?

Get Weekend Point of View Newsletter

A round up of the past week’s opinion writers and columnists on Saturdays and Sundays.


By entering your email address you consent to receive email from The Hill Times containing news, analysis, updates and offers. You may unsubscribe at any time. See our privacy policy

MORE Opinion

RELATED STORIES