By Daina Beth Solomon

MEXICO CITY – MEXICO CITY – Workers at a Panasonic OTC: auto parts plant north of Mexico have elected an independent union. It is another defeat for one the largest labor organizations in Mexico. Mexico seeks to increase worker rights under a new trade arrangement.

Union SNITIS was born out worker dissatisfaction in traditional labor organizations in northern Tamaulipas. It won 75% of the ballots during a two-day election where 2,150 voters were eligible, Mexico’s federal labor centre said Friday.

SIAMARM, an affiliate of the Confederation of Mexican Workers (CTM) of 86 years, won 25% of the factory which makes automotive audio and display systems, predominantly for U.S. markets.

CTM at General Motors (NYSE) was recently rejected by workers in Guanajuato, central State of Guanajuato, and Tridonex auto parts plant, Tamaulipas. These two sites, which were subject to U.S. inspections for worker rights abuses as part of the new U.S-Mexico-Canada Agreement, (USMCA), have been under scrutiny from the U.S.

SNITIS won Tridonex elections in February, with almost 87% vote. Union leaders hoped this would trigger a ripple effect.

Susana Prieto, founder of SNITIS, stated that the results at Panasonic were overwhelming. She also expressed her hope for the future at Tridonex.

CTM, Panasonic and SIAMARM did not respond immediately to our requests for comment.

Alberto Lara from SIAMARM stated via social media before the vote that he would defend vulnerable workers and his union would offer him the best contract.

SNITIS called on the U.S. government last week to investigate Panasonic’s alleged violations of worker rights. This is the latest dispute in a string that seeks to use the USMCA in order to improve working conditions in Mexico.

Panasonic workers rejected their union contract last year, which led to this week’s union election.

These votes are necessary by the Mexican labor reform, which seeks to abolish unions and businesses from signing protection contracts without workers’ knowledge.