What exactly does this mean? “The new agreement requires Mexico to allow more workers to unionize and to lift wages in some instances, specifically for autoworkers.” why should the USA tell Mexico they have to allow unions?
Because Mexico has suppressed unions and worker demands for better wages with military force in the past to keep the maquiladora money flowing in. Mexico isn’t forced to accept unions and the new
Minimum Wage requirement also in the treaty - but if they don’t, US tariffs will kill their for-export manufacturing sector. Then they’re looking at either the cartels taking over or a violent revolution - either way, the politicians will be evicted from the gravy train.
Further, such measures will also mean more Mexicans will stay in Mexico through better treatment and better pay.