The Office of the United States Trade Representative invoked the Rapid Response Labor Mechanism under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement to address alleged violations of workers’ rights at a Yokohama Tire Manufacturing facility in Coahuila, Mexico. The action follows the closure of a Yokohama plant in Salem, Virginia, which resulted in layoffs for nearly 600 American workers. The United States has suspended liquidation of all goods entering from the Mexican facility until further notice.
What it means
The Interagency Labor Committee for Monitoring and Enforcement, co-chaired by the Secretary of Labor and the USTR, received a petition on August 26, 2026, from Liga Sindical Obrera Mexicana and International Lawyers Assisting Workers Network. The petition alleged that Yokohama retaliated against union activity, denied plant access to special delegates while allowing unrestricted access to a competing union, and engaged in unlawful dismissals and irregularities surrounding a Certificate of Representation vote. It also cited non-compliance with the sectoral collective bargaining agreement for the rubber manufacturing industry.
After reviewing the petition within 30 days, the committee found sufficient credible evidence of rights denial. The USTR submitted a formal request to Mexico to review the allegations. Mexico has 10 days to agree to conduct the review and 45 days from the date of the request to complete it if it agrees. The Rapid Response Labor Mechanism was developed under the first Trump administration.
Key facts
- Nearly 600 American workers were laid off at the Salem, Virginia plant.
- The ILC received the RRM petition on August 26, 2026.
- The ILC has 30 days to review petitions and accompanying information.
- Mexico has 10 days to agree to conduct a review.
- Mexico has 45 days to complete the review if it agrees.
- Petitioners include Liga Sindical Obrera Mexicana and International Lawyers Assisting Workers Network.
- The ILC is co-chaired by the Secretary of Labor and the USTR.
Source: Office of the United States Trade Representative announcement