El Golpe: US Labor, the CIA, and the Coup at Ford in Mexico

In 1990, nine employees were shot and killed at the Mexican Ford Assembly plant, leading to a years-long investigation by Rob McKenzie to uncover the truth. His findings took him to the doors of the CIA, revealing a dark tale of political intrigue that still resonates today.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 20 February 2022
Publisher: Pluto Press

In the early stages of my research, a friend with in-depth knowledge of the internal operations of the United Auto Workers (UAW) shared valuable advice with me: "Don't give up." They hinted that there was something hidden beneath the surface, something that needed to be uncovered.

The year was 1990, and a significant shift was taking place in the labor landscape. US jobs were being outsourced to Mexico, leading to concerns among workers and unions. Rumors of a violent confrontation at the Mexican Ford Assembly plant on January 8 reached the UAW union in the United States. Nine employees had been shot by a group of drunken thugs and gangsters, allegedly in an act of political repression. This incident had a profound impact on the rights of Mexican and US workers, setting a new course for labor relations in both countries.

Rob McKenzie, who was working at the Ford Twin Cities Assembly plant in Minnesota at the time, was deeply affected by the news. He couldn't shake the feeling that the official story wasn't the whole truth. Determined to uncover the truth, McKenzie embarked on a years-long investigation. His research took him further than he ever imagined, leading him to the doors of the CIA.

Virtually unknown outside of Mexico, the full story of "El Golpe" or "The Coup" is a dark and intriguing tale of political intrigue that continues to resonate today. It sheds light on the complex relationships between governments, corporations, and organized crime, and highlights the power of those who are willing to go to great lengths to maintain control and silence those who speak out against them.

McKenzie's investigation uncovered a web of corruption and cover-ups that went all the way to the highest levels of government. He discovered that the attack on the Ford plant was not just a random act of violence, but rather a carefully planned operation designed to suppress labor rights and undermine the Mexican government. The involvement of the CIA in this operation was a shocking revelation, and it raised questions about the extent to which the United States government was willing to intervene in the affairs of other countries to protect its own interests.

Despite the risks and challenges he faced, McKenzie remained committed to his mission. He published his findings in a book titled "The Coup: How a Single Day Changed the Course of Mexican and US Workers' Rights Forever," which brought the story to the attention of a wider audience. His work helped to shed light on the ongoing struggles of workers around the world, and inspired others to fight for their rights and dignity.

The story of "El Golpe" serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and the fight for workers' rights. It highlights the need for unions and workers to be vigilant and to stand up against injustice and oppression. It also serves as a warning that the power of corporations and governments can be used to silence those who speak out against them, and that the only way to overcome such challenges is through collective action and solidarity.

In conclusion, the story of "El Golpe" is a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of workers and the power of truth and justice. It reminds us of the importance of standing up against oppression and injustice, and of the need to fight for the rights and dignity of all workers, regardless of their nationality or location.

Weight: 284g
Dimension: 214 x 136 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780745345628