UAW President: Wave of New Auto Investment in Mexico Problematic

By Christina Rogers 

The United Auto Workers President said Thursday the wave of new auto investment in Mexico is problematic and will be central to labor talks this summer with the Detroit car makers.

Dennis Williams, speaking to reporters in Detroit, said he recently met with White House officials to press his concerns, noting that he'd like to see the U.S. put more pressure on Mexico to improve labor conditions and wages.

"Mexico is going to continue to be an issue for us," Mr. Williams said, at a ceremonial handshake event marking the opening of contract talks with Ford Motor Co. "They've got good laws that they don't enforce."

Ford Motor Co. recently revealed plans to move production of its compact Focus from Michigan to another location outside the U.S., likely to Mexico. General Motors Co. has also announced plans to invest $3.6 billion through 2018 in Mexico to double its production capacity south of the border.

Write to Christina Rogers at [e-mail]

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