Mexican auto parts workers at VU Manufacturing formed an independent union in 2022 called La Liga after years of domination by company-friendly unions. In retaliation, the company shut down operations in Piedras Negras, Mexico this year, leaving 400 workers jobless and 71 without legally-mandated severance pay. These workers now face blacklisting from other local factories. The case poses a challenge to new labor protections in the USMCA. Blacklisted former VU workers have struggled to find new jobs amidst employer reluctance to hire union activists. Auto manufacturing is highly interconnected between Mexico, the US and Canada, so Mexican workers’ conditions impact others across borders. As Mexican unions gain strength, companies threaten to relocate production. US unions have supported Mexican workers’ rights to organize independently.

A protest is planned at VU’s US headquarters to demand severance pay and an end to blacklisting in Piedras Negras.