Avocado laborers from a Uruapan-based plant in Michoacán have lodged a labor rights complaint with the United States government against RV Fresh Foods. The National Central Confederation (Cocena), a labor group representing approximately 400 workers, has accused the company of violating collective bargaining and freedom of association rights under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Cocena also criticized the Mexican government's inaction on the matter. This is a novel move for the avocado sector, but not for Mexican workers, as the USMCA has previously intervened in labor disputes in Mexico.
The complaint, filed by Cocena chief Víctor Mendoza Pantoja, extends to other companies in the Uruapan region affiliated with the Association of Avocado Exporting Producers and Packers of Mexico (APEAM). Allegations include threats against unionization efforts, not allowing free association, and “bad practices” in RV Fresh Foods’ payroll department.
APEAM, which represents over 34,000 avocado growers and is the only Mexican association authorized to export avocados to the United States, has yet to comment.
Source: mexiconewsdaily.com