USMCA’s Rapid Response Mechanism Hits 38 Cases, 6 under Trump 2.0

The USMCA’s groundbreaking Rapid Response Labor Mechanism (RRM) has now reached 38 total cases, with the Trump administration initiating 6 new cases in 2025 alone. This surge underscores intensified enforcement targeting Mexican facilities for union right violations, while expanding the mechanism’s sectoral reach. 

HR Policy Global’s Take: Recent developments highlight the growing momentum and application of the RRM. Businesses operating in Mexico should remain vigilant, as the current U.S. administration under Trump is poised to enforce this mechanism rigorously, with plans for renegotiation next year. Join us in Mexico City on October 1st to hear insights from Luis Pablo Solorio, Lead Labor Attache at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, regarding this pressing issue.

RRM Case Count by Administration 

• Biden (2021-2024): 32 cases (Automotive-dominated; $6M+ back wages recovered; 42,000+ workers impacted) 
• Trump (2025-Present): 6 cases (Expanding to logistics and transportation; faster resolutions; 800+ workers remediated in 2025) 
• Total: 38 cases (30 resolved; 4 active panels; 2 facility closures)

Highlights of 2025 Cases Under Trump Administration 

• Superior Industries (Chihuahua) 
  1. Sector: Automotive 
  2. Outcome: 7 workers reinstated with back pay; neutrality policies adopted (Aug 2025)
• Modern Metal Alloys (Querétaro) 
  1. Sector: Auto parts 
  2. Outcome: Union access granted; new bargaining agreement (July 2025)
• Liber Gennesys Group (Tijuana) 
  1. Sector: Logistics (Hyundai supplier) 
  2. Status: Under investigation for union suppression – first RRM case targeting cross-border logistics
• Resolutions are now achieved faster, with a 45-day average compared to over 60 days under Biden, highlighting the impact on labor practices.

The Road Ahead: With automotive rules of origin, Chinese nearshoring, and critical minerals dominating negotiations, the 2026 review will test whether geopolitical concessions change the RRM’s enforcement power. 

More CBAs in Mexico, most from existing unions

A new study shows Mexico's collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) have increased to over 40,000, combining 10,000 newly added agreements with 30,538 previously approved by workers' votes, primarily due to existing unions expanding their reach rather than new unions forming.

Despite progress, challenges remain, including resistance from unions and companies to mandatory biennial contract reviews (with agreements voided after 4 years of non-review), widespread delays in unions submitting required financial reports, and around 90,000 workplaces still lacking union representation.