Abstract

COVARRUBIAS V., Alex. The USMCA and the Third Generation of Labor Agreements. Probable Scenarios for Work and Regional Industry. Norteamérica [online]. 2021, vol.16, n.1, pp.147-190.  Epub Oct 25, 2021. ISSN 2448-7228.  https://doi.org/10.22201/cisan.24487228e.2021.1.470.

Under the slogan “America first,” Trump pressured for a trade deal that would stem the flow of jobs and investments toward Mexico’s low-wage market. The new treaty increased the amount of region- al content required in the auto industry and introduced a chapter on labor rights with unprecedented oversight mechanisms; so much so that they constitute a new generation -the third, most complete, and binding- set of labor rules introduced by the United States in its trade agreements. With this, net profits are expected for that country in a strategic industry like auto. Andrés Manuel López Obrador substantively changed Mexican labor law and has boosted wages, encouraging a new model of labor relations. This study constructs scenarios, assessing whether these expectations will come to pass. The author maintains that, on the contrary, jobs and investment in Mexico’s auto industry will continue to increase, completing the emptying out and de-territorialization of U.S. industry.

Keywords : USMCA; auto industry; labor agreements; third generation; labor model.

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