From the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) An analysis on labour rights from a Mexican perspective

Abstract

This work explores the evolution of the trade agreement between the United States, Mexico, and Canada, focusing on the transition from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The research emphasizes the implications for labour rights within the framework of international trade agreements. By employing a comparative analytical framework, the study assesses the changes in labour provisions and their effectiveness in advancing fair labour practices, worker protection, and social justice. Initially, the work will provide a historical and political overview of NAFTA's negotiation process in Mexico during the 1980s and 1990s, highlighting the objectives of the agreement and the motivations behind its renegotiation. This section will detail how NAFTA aimed to promote economic integration while addressing labour concerns, setting the stage for subsequent reforms. The analysis will then turn to the USMCA, drawing upon a wide range of sources including relevant literature, policy documents, and trade agreements. It will outline the new agreement’s provisions, challenges, and innovations, particularly in relation to labour rights. Key aspects of this discussion will include the enhanced labour standards introduced under the USMCA and their potential impacts on labour conditions and enforcement mechanisms. The final segment of the study will critically examine the emphasis placed on labour rights in the USMCA compared to NAFTA, with a particular focus on the Mexican perspective. This will involve an evaluation of how the USMCA addresses issues such as labour enforcement, union rights, and working conditions, and how these changes reflect broader trends in global trade policy. While existing literature has addressed the discourse surrounding NAFTA and the USMCA, this research aims to provide a comprehensive comparative analysis cantered on labour rights. By highlighting the significance of these reforms, the study underscores the role of labour rights in fostering a just and equitable society within the context of modern trade agreements. The findings aim to contribute to the ongoing debate about the impact of trade policies on labour markets and the effectiveness of international agreements in promoting social justice.