TUC letter to Mexican Ambassador to the UK on violations of freedom of association in Mexico

HE Mr Eduardo Medina-Mora Icaza
Embassy of Mexico
16 St George Street
London
W1S 1FD

Dear Ambassador,

Violations of freedom of association in Mexico

On behalf of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), the British national trade union centre, the 6.2 millions of our affiliated unions and British workers, I am writing to you to urge the Mexico Government to implement the recommendations issued by the Governing Body of the International Labour Office (ILO) with regards to case no. 2694, which was discussed during the Governing Body's 310th session in Geneva in March 2011.

The TUC understands that the Mexican Government has not yet replied to various letters sent by the complainant organisations and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) requesting that it act on the ILO Governing Body's recommendations. We are concerned that this may indicate a lack of commitment on the part of your government to act. A failure to act will affect Mexico's image in the eyes of the international community, which would be especially unfortunate in the year you host the G20 summit.

The TUC would like to emphasise that it is vital that all governments implement recommendations made by the ILO's supervisory bodies and bring their legislation and practice into line with the principles and ideas expressed in the ILO's standards, making use of the technical assistance provided by the ILO to overcome any obstacles they encounter.

We implore Secretary Velez, in her new capacity as the Secretary of Employment and Social Welfare to take action, as quickly as possible, to initiate inclusive, constructive dialogue with workers' organisations (including the five complainant organisations) and employers' organisations on the application of labour and trade union legislation. We also ask that Secretary Velez report back to the Committee on Freedom of Association about the meetings held and the progress made.

Yours sincerely

BRENDAN BARBER

General Secretary, TUC