The UAW today condemned the shooting of striking workers at the Tornel Rubber Company in Tultitlán, Mexico, calling it a grave attack on fundamental labor and human rights and urging swift action by Mexican authorities and USMCA partners.
On March 18, four workers were injured when armed assailants opened fire on workers on night duty as they lawfully exercised their right to strike.
The strike at Tornel Rubber Company stems from alleged violations of the Mexican Rubber Industry Contract-Law, including:
- Non-implementation of a 40-hour workweek
- Unpaid 44-day year-end bonus
- Denial of proper vacation premium (25–31 days)
- Failure to pay social security contributions
- Non-recognition of official paid holidays (Feb. 5, Mar. 21)
The UAW is calling on Mexican authorities to ensure the safety of workers and to carry out a transparent investigation to hold those responsible accountable.
The situation reflects broader concerns about efforts within the rubber industry to weaken established labor standards and collective bargaining agreements. The UAW is urging the governments of the United States and Canada to take immediate action under the USMCA Rapid Response Labor Mechanism. Specifically, the UAW is calling for USTR to immediately self-initiate a complaint under the USMCA’s Rapid Response Mechanism.
“What happened at Tornel Rubber is an outrage. It’s an attack on human rights, on labor rights, and on the basic democratic freedoms of workers. The right to strike, to organize, and to bargain collectively are non-negotiable. When workers are met with gunfire for exercising those rights, the UAW will not tolerate it. We’re committed to fighting like hell to make sure every worker can stand up, organize, and demand what they’re owed without facing violence,” said UAW President Shawn Fain.
The UAW emphasized that failure to respond decisively risks undermining labor reforms and trade commitments across North America.
UAW Demands:
- Immediate protection for Tornel workers and their families
- Full enforcement of the Rubber Industry Contract-Law
- Public condemnation of the attack by Mexican authorities and industry leaders
- Independent USMCA complaint initiated by the U.S.
The UAW reaffirmed its solidarity with Tornel workers, who voted on March 22 to continue their strike.
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