Workers at a GM plant in northern Mexico are voting on whether to form one of the first truly independent auto labor unions in Mexican history. For almost a century, Mexican unions have been largely a sham, guaranteeing low wages that drained manufacturing jobs out of the United States. But with changes to Mexican labor law required under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada free trade pact, workers can in theory vote out the old, pro-company union bosses. But independent labor activists still face threats and pressure tactics. Just two days before the voting began, thugs threatened a union activist and told her not to show up for the vote.
Workers from General Motors in Mexico elected a new union in hopes of higher pay. Thousands of workers from General Motors (GM) in Mexico took a drastic move on Thursday in search of higher pay, as they voted out the previous labor union that held the plant contract for 25 years.
Workers at a General Motors assembly plant in northern Mexico voted for a new independent union to represent them after ousting an old guard union last year, according to results announced Thursday.