US Resolves USMCA Labor Case Against Mexican Food Firm Alimentos Grole
Nine workers reinstated with back pay after Mexico facility violated collective bargaining rights; tariff holds on goods lifted following remediation.
The United States has successfully closed a labor enforcement case under the USMCA's Rapid Response Mechanism against Alimentos Grole, S.A. de C.V., a food company operating in Ciudad Obregón, Sonora, Mexico, the U.S. Department of Labor announced. Workers at the facility had alleged they were denied freedom of association and collective bargaining rights, triggering a formal review process under the trade agreement's accelerated dispute tool.
As part of the agreed remediation plan, Alimentos Grole reinstated nine workers who had been unlawfully dismissed, providing full back pay and benefits, while two additional workers received complete severance packages according to their preferences. The company also dismantled an internal labor committee that had been aligned with management, a structure U.S. officials said interfered with workers' organizing rights, and committed to a zero-tolerance policy for future violations.
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The Office of the United States Trade Representative has directed the Secretary of the Treasury to resume liquidation of previously held entries of goods from the facility, effectively lifting a trade enforcement hold that had been imposed during the review. The directive signals that the U.S. government considers the core labor concerns remediated.
Beyond reinstatements, Alimentos Grole restructured its human resources and labor relations departments, took disciplinary action against staff found responsible for the violations, and established an anonymous complaint mechanism for workers. The company is also required to maintain its neutrality statement and collective bargaining materials on its website and internal communications platforms.
Mexico's government committed to ongoing monitoring of the facility, conducting in-person worker training on collective bargaining rights, and maintaining dedicated reporting channels including a direct email address and telephone line for worker complaints. The case was jointly facilitated by the U.S. Bureau of International Labor Affairs, USTR, and Mexican authorities. Continue reading at DOL News Releases and Briefs.
