DOL and ILO Form New Partnership to Strengthen Labor Rights in Mexico -- Occupational Health & Safety

DOL and ILO Form New Partnership to Strengthen Labor Rights in Mexico

The joint initiative OBSERVAR ensures democratic processes in workplaces.

By Robert Yaniz Jr.
Oct 05, 2023

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the International Labor Organization (ILO) have launched the Observation and Engagement for Rights Verification and Realization Initiative (OBSERVAR) to enhance labor rights and promote democratic processes within workplaces in Mexico.

According to a recent release, the initiative—which started in Leon, Guanajuato—focuses on the impartial observation of workplace votes and the capacity-building of workers, employers and other key stakeholders on the issues of freedom of association and collective bargaining. The DOL awarded the project a $5 million cooperative agreement and a three-year commitment.

OBSERVAR also aligns with the labor rights objectives embedded within the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement as well as Mexico’s 2019 labor reform goal of supporting worker voices in the designation of worker organizations and promoting collective bargaining by representatives fairly selected by the workers.

“Ensuring union votes in Mexico are free and fair is foundational to securing independent, democratic unions that can bargain in good faith for better wages and working conditions,” Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs Thea Lee said in a statement. “This unique project will bring the International Labor Organization—recognized as the global authority on freedom of association and trusted as an impartial observer—into workplace votes to certify that they are conducted fairly and lawfully.”

Organized by the ILO, the launch event for OBSERVAR took place in September 2023 and was hosted by the government of Mexico. As part of the event, a roundtable comprised of representatives from government, employer and worker organizations discussed the importance of freedom of association and collective bargaining in positive industrial relations.

About the Author

Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.

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