First U.S. win under trade agreement’s labor mechanism confirms violations at Mexican call center and requires stronger worker protection.
A dispute panel under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) recently ruled that workers’ rights were violated at an Atento call center in Hidalgo, Mexico, marking the first U.S. victory under the Rapid Response Labor Mechanism. The panel found Atento engaged in anti-union discrimination and interfered with employees’ freedom of association, including dismissing union leaders and creating a climate of fear. It concluded that Mexico’s corrective measures were insufficient given the severity and duration of the violations.
The case began after a 2023 petition from a Mexican union alleging rights violations. Following an initial review by Mexico and continued U.S. concerns, the panel verified compliance through site visits and hearings in May 2025. On August 21, 2025, it issued a final determination confirming a denial of rights and rejecting Mexico’s claim that the issue had been resolved. The decision stresses ongoing enforcement of labor protections under USMCA.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Chavez-DeRemer to receive God’s direction as she heads the Labor Department.
- For the members of USMCA panel as they arbitrate labor protections between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico under the agreement.
Sources: Department of Labor
