Pascrell, Blumenauer, Kildee Praise Successful Autoworkers Union Vote in Mexico

Mexican workers in General Motor facility defy odds and intimidation in fight for higher wages, better conditions, and real representation

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Reps. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR-03), the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittees on Oversight and Trade, respectively, and Dan Kildee (D-MI-05), also a member of the trade and tax-writing panel, today reacted positively to the successful independent unionization efforts of workers at the General Motors plant in Silao, Mexico, where General Motor trucks are assembled amid negative conditions and assorted abuse. In response, the members issued the following joint statement.

“This week the workers at the General Motors auto plant in Silao, Mexico showed bravery in the face of intimidation and harassment by voting overwhelmingly for a new independent union, marking a significant step forward for worker rights in Mexico. We congratulate the workers for organizing an independent union to fight for improved pay, benefits, and working conditions. This win is a warning to anyone seeking to undermine rights in Mexico that corrupt protection unions will no longer be the norm. The outcome of this vote is also a boon to American workers who have suffered from multinational corporations moving jobs offshore.

“This vote would not have been possible without the tools included in the USMCA secured by House Democrats to enforce the agreement and the leadership of Ambassador Tai and President Biden. We will keep a close eye on USMCA implementation to ensure workers’ rights are protected. This historic election showed what is possible when workers come together and the government acts to protect workers’ voices and ensure workplace democracy. Companies in Mexico, including General Motors, must recognize this transformation taking place, respect new union representation and negotiate new contracts in good faith.”