ABSTRACT
This chapter demonstrates a new attitude of some United States (US) unions, who hoped cooperation with Mexican and Canadian workers could forge transnational 'codes of conduct'. The Mexican National Administrative Office (NAO) has pursued cases involving migrant, Hispanic workers in the US, indicating a desire to protect its citizens abroad rather than improve American labour practices. The Solec International case involved delays in the National Labour Relations Board process and alleged violations of occupational health and overtime pay laws for Latino workers. Mexican and American activists sought cases on the plight of migrant agricultural workers, who were essential to the competitiveness of American farms and orchards. The DeCoster Egg Farm case involved alleged mistreatment of migrant Mexican workers in Maine. Mexican NAO 2001–01 involved allegations that New York State did not enforce workers compensation and occupational safety and health laws. Mexico continued the pressure with the acceptance of a case involving H-2A farm guest workers visa holders in North Carolina.
