Mexican President Vicente Fox and Teamsters President James P. Hoffa discussed the issue of opening the U.S. border to Mexican trucks in a private meeting Monday night.
The Detroit meeting, a first between the two leaders, was called a candid discussion of their differences by both sides. Hoffa called the 45-minute talk "a frank and open discussion. I was impressed with his candor and knowledge. I think we can work together."
The Teamsters union has fought against opening the border under the long-delayed terms of the North American Free Trade Agreement, citing safety concerns about Mexican trucks.
Hoffa said he raised union concerns about cross-border trucking and future organizing opportunities in Mexico. "We must raise Mexico's standards," Hoffa said. "By improving wages, benefits and working conditions, we will improve Mexican truck safety and ensure a fair-trade environment between our two nations."
Hoffa is scheduled to testify about cross-border trucking before two Congressional committees today.
A Mexican official told The Detroit News that the two sides will meet again within the next month to discuss the issue further. Miguel Hakim, undersecretary of economic relations in the Mexican Foreign Affairs Ministry, told the paper that Hoffa and Fox discussed ways to guarantee the safety of Mexican trucks, including the need for new inspections.
However, Hakim said Mexico hasn't ruled out enacting a reciprocal ban on U.S. trucks entering Mexico if the U.S. does not allow Mexican trucks to enter this country. Currently, transportation funding bills in Congress are throwing a monkey wrench into President Bush's plans to allow Mexican trucks access to the United States beginning next January.
The meetings between Fox and American labor groups, as well as a dinner honoring Fox, were sponsored by the U.S.-Mexican Chamber of Commerce. The main reason for Fox's Detroit visit was to meet with executives of seven automakers and auto suppliers who have holdings in Mexico.
The Detroit meeting, a first between the two leaders, was called a candid discussion of their differences by both sides. Hoffa called the 45-minute talk "a frank and open discussion. I was impressed with his candor and knowledge. I think we can work together."
The Teamsters union has fought against opening the border under the long-delayed terms of the North American Free Trade Agreement, citing safety concerns about Mexican trucks.
Hoffa said he raised union concerns about cross-border trucking and future organizing opportunities in Mexico. "We must raise Mexico's standards," Hoffa said. "By improving wages, benefits and working conditions, we will improve Mexican truck safety and ensure a fair-trade environment between our two nations."
Hoffa is scheduled to testify about cross-border trucking before two Congressional committees today.
A Mexican official told The Detroit News that the two sides will meet again within the next month to discuss the issue further. Miguel Hakim, undersecretary of economic relations in the Mexican Foreign Affairs Ministry, told the paper that Hoffa and Fox discussed ways to guarantee the safety of Mexican trucks, including the need for new inspections.
However, Hakim said Mexico hasn't ruled out enacting a reciprocal ban on U.S. trucks entering Mexico if the U.S. does not allow Mexican trucks to enter this country. Currently, transportation funding bills in Congress are throwing a monkey wrench into President Bush's plans to allow Mexican trucks access to the United States beginning next January.
The meetings between Fox and American labor groups, as well as a dinner honoring Fox, were sponsored by the U.S.-Mexican Chamber of Commerce. The main reason for Fox's Detroit visit was to meet with executives of seven automakers and auto suppliers who have holdings in Mexico.
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