6 February, 2012PKC workers want the National Miners' and Metalworkers Union (SNTMMSRM) to represent them but the company is imposing its own choice of union
MEXICO: Arneses y Accesorios de Mexico, Mexican subsidiary of the auto parts wiring systems and accessories company PKC, has told workers at its plants that it has signed a collective agreement with the CTM. The workers had decided they wanted the SNTMMSRM to represent them.
The company's human resources representative in Mexico and plant managers communicated a message from the company president, Harri Suutari, to all factory assembly lines and departments.
The message, which was registered in English and interpreted orally into Spanish for the workers said (the original English is not available, below is a translation of its Spanish version): "the company has been able to work without a union for many years, because it has been a company with open doors, ready to listen to workers and resolve their concerns and problems. It has recently come to our attention that outside groups want to destabilise labour peace, recruit workers and get into the company. In these circumstances, and in order to protect itself and jobs, the company has decided to sign a collective agreement with the Mexican Confederation of Workers (Confederación de Trabajadores de México, CTM), led by Tereso Medina, in Coahuila so that no other unions get involved. You may ask yourselves what is the best union? We would say the CTM, because it represents workers in the auto parts industry. How much will the union dues be? Nothing, because the company is going to pay them so that the CTM does not enter the plants and has nothing to do with you. Things will continue as usual, for example, the company will continue to recruit new staff. What will the benefits be? Labour peace and a secure job for many years".
The IMF rejects PKC's anti-trade union attitude and its intention to impose a union against the wishes of its employees. The IMF and other international non-governmental organisations that combat protection contracts in Mexico and support the miners' union's struggle condemn the company's actions.