UAW Condemns Shooting of Striking Workers at Tornel Rubber Company

UAW Denounces Violence Against Workers in Mexico, Calls for Swift Action

The United Auto Workers (UAW) has strongly criticized the recent shooting of striking employees at Tornel Rubber Company in Tultitlán, Mexico. The union described the incident as a serious breach of labor and human rights, urging prompt intervention by Mexican authorities and partners of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

On March 18, an attack left four workers injured when armed individuals fired upon them while they were legally participating in a strike during their night shift.

The current strike at Tornel Rubber Company is due to alleged infringements related to the Mexican Rubber Industry Contract-Law. Key violations include:

• Lack of enforcement of a 40-hour workweek
• Unpaid 44-day year-end bonus
• Inadequate vacation premium (25–31 days)
• Failure to contribute to social security
• Non-recognition of public holidays (Feb. 5, Mar. 21)

The UAW is urging Mexican authorities to prioritize worker safety and conduct a thorough investigation to ensure accountability for the incident.

This situation highlights broader concerns about weakening labor standards and collective bargaining agreements within the rubber industry. The UAW is appealing to the United States and Canada to respond urgently through the USMCA Rapid Response Labor Mechanism. They are specifically requesting the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to initiate a complaint under this mechanism immediately.

“What happened at Tornel Rubber is an outrage. It’s an attack on human rights, on labor rights, and on the basic democratic freedoms of workers. The right to strike, to organize, and to bargain collectively are non-negotiable. When workers are met with gunfire for exercising those rights, the UAW will not tolerate it. We’re committed to fighting like hell to make sure every worker can stand up, organize, and demand what they’re owed without facing violence,” stated UAW President Shawn Fain.

The union emphasized that a failure to respond firmly could jeopardize labor reforms and trade commitments across North America.

UAW's Demands

• Immediate protection for Tornel workers and their families
• Complete enforcement of the Rubber Industry Contract-Law
• A public condemnation of the attack by Mexican authorities and industry leaders
• Initiation of an independent USMCA complaint by the U.S.

The UAW reiterated its support for the Tornel workers, who decided on March 22 to continue their strike.