The labor panel, initiated within the Rapid Response Labor Mechanism of the Trade Agreement between Mexico, the United States, and Canada (T-MEC), concluded that there were no violations of labor laws at the San Martín mine in Sombrerete, Zacatecas. This decision came after authorities from neighboring countries requested the panel following complaints from workers. Despite this ruling, the US government plans to continue appealing to this mechanism as Thea Lee, deputy assistant secretary of the United States for International Labor Affairs, stated.
The US trade representative, Katherine Tai, expressed disappointment in a statement after the decision was made. She reproached Grupo México for continuing to violate the rights to collective bargaining and freedom of association of miners at San Martín mine. The case originated from a request to initiate the Rapid Response Labor Mechanism by various labor unions in both countries including AFL-CIO, United Steelworkers and National Mine Workers Union Metallurgical Steel Similar Industries of Mexican Republic.
The Mexican government determined that there was no violation of labor rights after reviewing evidence provided by American authorities. After receiving this determination, US authorities requested that T-MEC initiate a Rapid Response Labor Mechanism to review the case further. However, ultimately it was concluded that T-MEC lacked jurisdiction over whether a denial of rights occurred at San Martín mine as mentioned in official report.
Despite this decision by T-MEC , US government plans to continue appealing to this mechanism with a commitment to ensuring protection of San Martín workers rights under law according to Thea Lee . Cooperation with Mexican government on these matters will persist as she added .
