U.S. NAO Submission No. 2006-01 (Coahuila)

This submission was filed on November 9, 2006 by the United Steelworkers (USW). The USW alleged that the Government of Mexico (GOM) failed to fulfill its obligations under the NAALC with respect to mineworkers and their union at the Pasta de Conchos mine in the Mexican State of Coahuila. The submitters' alleged that workers were denied freedom of association rights and proper access to appropriate labor tribunals, focusing on the Government of Mexico's actions with regard to the National Union of Miners and Metalworkers and its leadership. With regards to occupational safety and health, the USW claimed that the STPS has "repeatedly failed to fulfill its obligation to enforce labor regulations requiring employers to provide workers with satisfactory working conditions that are free of health and safety hazards." In particular, the USW cited inadequate inspection and enforcement actions at the Pasta de Conchos mine, where an explosion killed 65 miners on February 19, 2006. After consideration of the submission, the Office of Trade and Labor Affairs determined that a review would not further the objectives of the NAALC and, on August 31, 2007, declined to accept it for review.

• Original Submission