United States and Guatemala reach accord on labor

The United States said on Thursday it reached a deal with Guatemala to resolve a dispute over labor conditions and workers rights in the Central American country, which has been a U.S. free trade partner since 2006.

The new 18-point labor enforcement plan "reflects Guatemala's commitment to constructive engagement to meet its labor obligations under our trade agreement," Acting U.S. Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis said in a statement.

The United States expects implementation of the plan "over the coming months will yield demonstrable improvements in Guatemalan labor law enforcement that will be a real victory for workers," Acting Labor Secretary Seth Harris said.

Source: Reuters