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Kildee, Blumenauer, Pascrell Congratulate Workers at GM Silao Plant for Organizing an Independent Union

February 3, 2022

WASHINGTON—Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, alongside Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-3) and Bill Pascrell (NJ-09), today released the following statement regarding this week’s union election at General Motors’ (GM) Silao plant in Mexico: 

"This week the workers at the GM auto plant in Silao, Mexico showed bravery in the face of intimidation and harassment by voting overwhelmingly for a new independent union, marking a significant step forward for worker rights in Mexico. We congratulate the workers for organizing an independent union to fight for improved pay, benefits, and working conditions. This win is a warning to anyone seeking to undermine rights in Mexico that corrupt protection unions will no longer be the norm. The outcome of this vote is also a boon to American workers who have suffered from multinational corporations moving jobs offshore.

"This vote would not have been possible without the tools included in the USMCA secured by House Democrats to enforce the agreement and the leadership of Ambassador Tai and President Biden. We will keep a close eye on USMCA implementation to ensure workers' rights are protected.

"This historic election showed what is possible when workers come together and the government acts to protect workers' voices and ensure workplace democracy. Companies in Mexico, including General Motors, must recognize this transformation taking place, respect new union representation and negotiate new contracts in good faith."

The statement follows a call by Kildee, Blumenauer and Pascrell urging GM and the Mexican government to respect workers' freedoms amid reports of intimidation ahead of the vote.