The United States has formally closed a labor case at the ThyssenKrupp Springs & Stabilizers plant in San Luis Potosi after verifying that previously identified violations of workers’ rights were remedied, allowing the resumption of tariff processing for the facility’s automotive exports.
The case was initiated under the Rapid Response Labor Mechanism (RRM) established by the USMCA following a petition filed by workers and labor organizations. The complaint alleged violations of rights related to freedom of association and collective bargaining at the plant. After an investigation conducted by the Interagency Labor Committee for Monitoring and Enforcement, US authorities determined there was sufficient evidence to trigger a formal review.
According to the resolution, the company implemented corrective actions that addressed the violations and restored compliance with labor obligations under the trade framework. As a result, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) concluded that “there is no longer a denial of rights” at the facility. Jamieson Greer subsequently instructed the US Treasury to resume liquidation of unliquidated entries of goods produced at the plant, effectively normalizing trade operations.
The remediation process included the reinstatement of two workers who had been dismissed. Authorities determined that their terminations constituted retaliation linked to union-related activities. The company reinstated both employees under their previous working conditions and provided full back pay and benefits for the period of dismissal.
In parallel, the company entered into an agreement with the Liga Sindical Obrera Mexicana to establish a formal protocol governing union access to the facility. The agreement is intended to ensure that union representatives can communicate with workers without obstruction, addressing one of the central concerns raised during the investigation.
ThyssenKrupp also adopted and disseminated a neutrality statement alongside corporate guidelines reinforcing respect for freedom of association and collective bargaining. These measures include a zero-tolerance policy toward retaliation or interference in union activities. The adoption of such policies was a key requirement under the RRM process and part of the criteria used by US authorities to assess compliance.
The Mexican government participated in the remediation process by conducting in-person training sessions for all plant personnel on labor rights and union freedom. Authorities also carried out monitoring activities during the review period to verify that corrective measures were effectively implemented on the ground.
The case was originally opened on Oct. 14, 2025, and its closure marks the conclusion of one of the recent labor enforcement actions in the automotive sector under the USMCA framework. The outcome underscores the growing role of labor provisions in regional trade enforcement and their direct impact on cross-border manufacturing operations.
In a parallel account of the review, authorities emphasized that the process involved a comprehensive evaluation of working conditions at the facility, focusing on compliance with international labor standards. The review was triggered by concerns related to freedom of association and collective bargaining rights, consistent with the scope of the RRM mechanism.