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Labour leaders and workers’ rights advocates gathered at Unifor’s national office in Toronto on October 6 for The Mexico Workers’ Rights Action Project: Building and strengthening union independence, democracy and worker power in Mexico. The event was the culmination of a four-year project that was funded by the Canadian government, supported by Unifor, in close collaboration with CILAS – the Labor Research and Union Advisory Center, based in Mexico City. The conference brought together Canadian, Mexican and U.S. labour voices to highlight how international solidarity is helping transform Mexico’s labour movement.
“When workers stand together across borders, we build real power,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “The progress we’ve seen in Mexico’s labour movement proves what’s possible when workers have a democratic voice and the support of international allies.”
The discussions focused on the growing independence of Mexico’s unions following recent labour reforms and the crucial role of cross-border solidarity in advancing workers’ rights. Leaders from CILAS, Unifor and grassroots unions shared how ongoing collaboration is strengthening democratic representation and collective bargaining across sectors in Mexico.
“The solidarity we’ve built with Canadian and U.S. unions is making a real difference for workers in Mexico,” said Hector de la Cueva, Coordinator of CILAS. “By sharing strategies, training and support, we’re showing that workers everywhere deserve strong, democratic unions and the chance to improve their lives.”
As global trade tensions continue to shape supply chains and labour markets across North America, participants emphasized that workers must not bear the cost of trade disputes. The so-called “trade wars” highlight the urgent need for stronger labour standards and coordinated enforcement across borders. Unions stressed that fair trade must go hand-in-hand with fair labour — ensuring that economic policies protect jobs, raise wages, and uphold workers’ rights in every country.
The event closed with a renewed commitment to deepen cooperation among unions in Canada, Mexico and the United States to strengthen the fight for fairness and justice for all workers across North America.
