In addition to scrapping bargaining with the union that lacked authority, the Panasonic plant agreed to eliminate it, recognize an independent union, SNITIS, and reimburse workers for union dues deducted from paychecks and unpaid wages for a strike. in the factory.
The company previously said it respected the rights to free association and collective bargaining and did not believe they had been denied.
The Mexican Ministry of Labor said that all issues raised in the investigation had been resolved and that it would monitor the plant to ensure that rehired employees could freely support the union of their choice.
“Today’s announcement is yet another example of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to defending the rights of workers, including those who live beyond our borders,” US Trade Representative Kaherine Tai said in the statement. .
In June, Panasonic and the newly elected union, SNITIS, agreed to a 9.5% wage increase as part of a new contract that will be implemented if approved in a workers’ vote.