The PRI union and the governor of Baja California tried to prevent a union election. The Mexican Government's labor board, however, has ruled it will not certify the results, and more organizers have been dismissed. Workers are appealing the decision. Although Hyundai says it has no control over Han Young, this is a divorce of convenience for Hyundai. Since Han Young exists only to produce for Hyundai, Hyundai is responsible for Han Young's practices.
Mexican law agrees.
It seems likely the Nafta labor office will find that the Han Young case violates the labor agreement. But that will be of little help to Mexican workers. Such violations carry no penalty, only the possibility of consultations between the Mexican and American labor secretaries. It is too late to rewrite Nafta, but not too late to pressure Mexico to enforce its own laws. President Clinton raised the Han Young issue with President Ernesto Zedillo.