X-WebTV-Signature: 1 ETAuAhUAr0URz+1g1plkvFIFLQqPZtCgyO4CFQCcyNhR4gKlqLv72T1vEd4ntla8JQ== From: xcruz@webtv.net (Robert Chavez) Date: Tue, 4 Aug 1998 11:03:51 -0600 (MDT) To: Labor-Rap@csf.colorado.edu Subject: Echlin NAO decision (fwd) Sender: owner-lared-l@lmrinet.ucsb.edu From: rvazquez@inconnect.com (Robert Vazquez) Date: Tue, Aug 4, 1998, 10:23am To: lared-l@lmrinet.ucsb.edu Subject: Echlin NAO Decision (fwd) Reply to: lared-l@lmrinet.ucsb.edu From: robin alexander Subject: Echlin NAO Decision Brothers and Sisters: We received the Echlin NAO decision yesterday and I am attaching the press release which was sent out by the Teamsters. Thanks to all who contributed to this effort! I will keep you posted once we know what the consultation process will entail. In Solidarity, Robin For Immediate Release   For More Information Contact: August 3, 1998         Bob Kingsley, UE, 703-339-5241 or 412-471-8919                                                               Robin Alexander, UE, 412-471-8919                               Jeff Cappella, Teamsters, 202-624-8971 U.S. NAFTA Panel Cites U.S. Firm for Violence Against Workers in Mexico NAO Calls for Talks Between U.S. and Mexican Government Over Workers' Rights Abuses by Echlin WASHINGTON -- The federal agency responsible for hearing complaints under the labor side agreement to NAFTA is calling for ministerial consultations between the United States and Mexico following testimony that charged U.S.-based Echlin Inc. with dangerous working conditions and wide-ranging violations of labor law and workers' human rights in auto-parts plants in Mexico. The decision issued late Friday by the U.S. National Administrative Office finds merit in union allegations that Echlin committed massive discharges for union activity and connived in assaults and intimidation of union supporters by thugs. The petitioning unions also objected to a union representation election conducted by voice vote rather than secret ballot, in the presence of management officials and armed goons. This is the first NAO decision to involve allegations of health and safety problems. Mexican workers and health and safety experts presented testimony here in March that complained of routine exposure to asbestos and solvents, malfunctioning machinery and other dangerous conditions at Echlin auto-parts plants. A coalition of nine U.S. and Canadian unions filed the complaint along with the Mexico's Authentic Workers' Front (FAT), with support from the AFL-CIO, the Canadian Labor Congress(CLC), the new Mexican labor federation, the National Union of Workers (UNT) and dozens of U.S., Mexican and Canadian organizations. Bob Kingsley, organizing director for the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (UE), one of the petitioning unions, termed the NAO ruling "an indictment of Echlin, the Mexican government and the largest of the official unions in Mexico," as well as "a victory for workers in all three NAFTA countries." -- more -- Speaking on behalf of the Echlin Workers' Alliance, the union coalition, Kingsley said: "We call on Echlin and its new parent Dana to correct the violations cited by the NAO by offering immediate and unconditional reinstatement to the fired workers, recognizing STIMAHCS as the workers' representative, cleaning up the plant and providing conditions where workers' rights are respected." The Echlin Workers' Alliance is calling on the Mexican government to ensure these goals are met and to take steps that all future elections are conducted by secret ballot, under conditions which are free from intimidation, that measures be taken to ensure that the labor board functions fairly and impartially in supervising elections and selecting judges, and that registries be established to give workers access to information about unions and contracts. The Alliance also hopes that the Mexican government will ensure that the plants in question are subjected to a thorough inspection which includes environmental sampling, that the health and safety violations are corrected, and that steps are taken to correct deficiencies in the application of the inspection and penalty systems. "It's nice to see that the U.S. government is recognizing workers' rights abuses by U.S. corporations in Mexico," said Teamsters Vice President Tom Gilmartin. "But the fact that the government can't enforce any remedies against Echlin is an example of what's wrong with free trade agreements like NAFTA." In addition to the UE and Teamsters, the petitioning unions were the Frente Autentico del Trabajo of Mexico, Steelworkers (in both the U.S. and Canada), UAW, Canadian Auto Workers, Machinists, Paper Workers, IUE and UNITE! Robin Alexander UE Director of International Labor Affairs One Gateway Center, Suite 1400 420 Fort Duquesne Blvd. PGH., PA. 15222-1416 412-471-8919 412-471-8999 FAX HTTP://www.igc.apc.org/unitedelect/ (See alert section every two weeks for labor and related news from Mexico).