Mexico: Alleged bad working conditions at Goodyear plant
"Goodyear disagrees with criticism of Mexico plant conditions levied by U.S. congressmen" 7 August 2019
The representatives, led by House Trade Subcommittee chairman Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., also requested a formal response from Goodyear regarding complaints by former workers about poor working conditions, low wages, illegal termination and discrimination at the plant in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, which opened in 2017...
"We are also disappointed that an iconic American company like Goodyear, which is shedding jobs at home while building new facilities in Mexico, is failing to provide its workers in Mexico with basic labor rights that are recognized internationally and under Mexican law," they wrote...
"Before opening or hiring a single line worker, Goodyear had already signed a contract with a nondemocratic 'protection' union," the letter said.
"Less than six months after starting its operations, conditions were so poor that workers at the plant went on a wildcat strike demanding a democratic union, higher wages and improved conditions," it said.
The letter accused Goodyear of paying less than $2 per hour to junior workers at San Luis Potosi and just over $6 to the highest-paid workers.
While in Mexico, the representatives met with several workers who were fired from San Luis Potosi after striking, according to the letter.
"The workers provided compelling testimony about the poor working conditions, lack of protective gear and safety and overall training provided to workers, nonreporting of hazards, deductions that are taken from already low wages, and discrimination and harassment (directed at women workers especially) at the Goodyear facility," it said.
"We strongly disagree with the statements made about our working conditions and labor practices, and expect to provide a comprehensive response to the letter within the allotted timeframe," the company said.