News Release
Department of Labor, Office of Trade Representative find auto interiors manufacturer denied labor rights at León, Guanajuato, facility
WASHINGTON – The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement’s Interagency Labor Committee for Monitoring and Enforcement today requested the Mexico government review alleged denial of workers’ rights at the Bader leather car interior manufacturing facility in León, Guanajuato. The Department of Labor and the Office of the Trade Representative co-chair the committee.
The Rapid Response Labor Mechanism request follows an Aug. 14, 2024, petition filed by a former Bader worker who claims the company is systematically preventing the formation of an independent union and alleges harassment, employer interference and the unlawful dismissal of workers. The petition also alleges the company created an employer-controlled labor committee to simulate worker representation and undermine workers’ organizing efforts. It claims Bader is violating workers’ rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining.
“We are deeply concerned by the reports of anti-union actions at the Bader facility. Such conduct is unacceptable and erodes workers’ fundamental rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining,” said Deputy Undersecretary for International Labor Affairs Thea Lee. “The USMCA Rapid Response Mechanism and Mexico’s labor law reforms are designed to address these kinds of violations. We look forward to working closely with the Mexican government to resolve these issues and to reinforce the high labor standards committed to under the USMCA.”
“By initiating the Rapid Response Mechanism, we are standing firm in supporting workers’ rights to join the union of their choice and participate in union activities without facing dismissal, retaliation or discrimination,” said Ambassador Katherine Tai. “We are eager to continue working closely with the Government of Mexico to address the ongoing denials of rights at this facility.”
Mexico’s government has 10 days to decide whether to conduct a review and 45 days to investigate the claims and present its findings.
A subsidiary of Bader GmbH & Co. KG, a German multinational company, BADER de Mexico, also known as Bader Leather Mexico, has about 1,500 union-eligible employees who produce leather for vehicle interiors for U.S. export. It supplies automotive brands including Audi, BMW, Chrysler, GM, Honda, Mercedes Benz, Stellantis and Tesla.
