The Mexican Federal Labor Ministry said it would prohibit subcontracting of day laborers in the avocado and berry industries, partly to ensure companies complied with requirements under the country's trade agreement with the US and Canada.
Labor Secretary Luisa Maria Alcalde said on Monday her ministry would publish a guideline preventing the industries from using subcontract labor for certain activities. It would specifically prohibit subcontracting for pickers of avocados and berries, billions of dollars of which are exported to the United States annually.
Michoacan Governor Alfredo Ramirez said ensuring formal employment was necessary for companies to comply with the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. Avocado farming in Mexico has recently suffered from gang violence, particularly in Michoacan. The US temporarily suspended avocado imports from the state this year after a US regulator there received threats.
Source: reuters.com