The United States has lifted tariffs on a Mexican aluminum wheel manufacturer after the company resolved worker retaliation claims under a North American trade agreement.
The U.S. announced the successful resolution of labour violations at Superior Industries de Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V., located in Chihuahua, Mexico. The facility manufactures light vehicle aluminum wheels.
Company reinstates fired workers
Superior Industries took several actions to address the labour violations. The company reinstated seven workers under the same terms and conditions they held before being fired for union activity and issued full back pay and benefits.
The facility provided full severance packages to four additional workers who had been dismissed for union activity but chose not to return. Superior Industries also committed to reinstate or provide severance packages for two more workers based on their preferences.
New policies adopted
The company adopted and implemented a neutrality statement and guidelines on freedom of association and collective bargaining, including a zero-tolerance policy for violations. All company personnel received training on the guidelines and neutrality commitments.
Superior Industries also withdrew a complaint it had filed with the Attorney General’s Office of the State of Chihuahua against workers who participated in previous work stoppages.
Mexican government involvement
The Government of Mexico delivered in-person training for all company personnel on freedom of association and collective bargaining. Mexican officials also monitored the facility and engaged with workers and the company throughout the review period.
The case began when the Interagency Labor Committee for Monitoring and Enforcement received a petition on May 5, 2025, from the Secretary General of the Confederación Autónoma de Trabajadores y Empleados de México, a Mexican labour union.
The petition alleged Superior Industries violated workers’ rights by using intimidation and harassment to discourage union support. The committee found sufficient evidence to invoke enforcement mechanisms under the USMCA Rapid Response Labor Mechanism.
On June 4, 2025, the U.S. Trade Representative requested Mexico review the matter. Mexico accepted the request and found the company had taken necessary steps to address the alleged rights violations.
The Rapid Response Labor Mechanism was developed to prevent Mexican businesses from gaining competitive advantages by violating labour laws, helping level the playing field for American workers and businesses.
