US Department of Labor, Office of the Trade Representative announce resolution of alleged labor rights’ denials at San Luis Potosí parts maker

WASHINGTON - The United States and Mexico have announced the successful resolution to a Rapid Response Mechanism petition alleging workers' rights were denied at Impro Industries, a parts manufacturer in San Luis Potosí, Mexico.

The Mexican government facilitated a resolution with Impro Industries to remediate workers' claims by posting neutrality statements, creating company guidelines on freedom of association and collective bargaining and collaborating with Mexico's Secretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social to provide training to workers. The agreement also included reinstatement of a fired union delegate with back pay to the date of dismissal.

Filed under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement's Rapid Response Labor Mechanism, this is the 25th time the department and the U.S. Trade Representative have used the mechanism to benefit workers.

"We commend the agreement reached with Impro Industries to resolve the labor violations we identified at their facility and ensure that freedom of association is fully respected," said Deputy Undersecretary for International Labor Affairs Thea Lee. "The reinstatement of the union delegate underscores a commitment to fair treatment. We applaud the proactive measures taken to address these issues and the collaborative efforts of all parties involved."

During the investigation of the case, attachés from the department's Bureau of International Labor Affairs visited San Luis Potosí to interview stakeholders, take worker testimony, and further the department's ability to collect case evidence crucial to the successful resolution.

"Today's announcement highlights the critical role the RRM plays in safeguarding workers' rights, ensuring they can engage in union activities without fear of retaliation or termination," said Ambassador Katherine Tai. "We welcome the reinstatement of the dismissed worker, and look forward to the continued application of new company practices that protect workers' rights."

A subsidiary of Impro Precison Industries Ltd., Impro Industries Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V. in San Luis Potosíproduces cast and machined parts for export. Founded in 1998, the China-based company has about 20 manufacturing plants in China, the Czech Republic, Germany, Mexico and Turkey. Its 7,000 employees produce parts for the energy, medical, automotive and agricultural industries for clients including Bosch, Caterpillar, Cummins, Honeywell, HUSCO and Parker-Hannifin.

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