Santamarina y Steta boasts an established labour and employment practice, operating across Mexico City, Monterrey and Queretaro, with recognised expertise in strike processes and the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements with unions. The team is equally adept in complex lawsuits regarding discrimination, unlawful terminations and termination benefits payments. Administrative litigation is another strength of the group, which handles collective conflicts through amparo proceedings. Moreover, the team advises on corporate transactions from a labour perspective, including M&A, restructurings, and the launch of new operations. The practice benefits from the leadership of three principle partners: Juan Carlos de la Vega is a seasoned authority in the field, who continues to be active in labour disputes in the mining and automotive industries; Andrés Rodríguez has longstanding experience advising domestic and international clients in collective litigation and handles audits regarding labour obligation compliance; Francisco Udave Trevino is a specialist in labour litigation and the labour aspects of M&A transactions. The deep associate pool bolsters the practice’s depth of expertise, with notable names including Álvaro Álvarez, Jaime Vázquez, Ernesto De La Puente and Samuel Flores.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Santamarina has a team with extensive experience in the field. The team is always available to answer our questions and support us with urgent issues.'
‘Francisco Udave Treviño must be considered one of the best labour lawyers in employment matters. He resolves cases with an analytical approach and always offers alternatives.'
‘Francisco Udave Treviño is the person to contact for labour-related matters from a corporate perspective. He has strong business acumen and excellent communication skills that allow him to explain complex issues in a straightforward way. His familiarity with US law also facilitates the handling of your case.'
'Francisco Udave Treviño is a highly experienced and knowledgeable partner who understands the company and the industry. It has been extremely useful for us to have him on board since our inception, as he understands and has helped us implement legal strategies that have enabled us to comply with regulations appropriately. In addition, he is a partner who maintains constant communication and diligently follows up on our matters.'
Key clients
- General Motors de México
- Pirelli
- Caterpillar (Nuevo Laredo)
- Morgan Stanley
- KIO
- Aptiv
- Grupo Mexico
- Sigma Alimentos
- Martinrea
- Innophos
Work highlights
Represented Pirelli Neumáticos, S.A. de C.V. in a labour dispute under the USMCA Rapid Response Labour Mechanism (RRM), following a complaint by the Liga Obrera Sindical Mexicana and US labour organisations, which alleged violations of freedom of association and demanded compliance with the National Rubber Industry Agreement (Contract Law).
Represented Minera Camino Rojo in all the collective conflicts initiated by the National Mining Union, including lawsuits calling for a strike due to the 2024 revision of the collective bargaining agreement and a representation claim initiated by the union Sindicato Beneficio de Minas, which led to a Rapid Response Mechanism based on the USMCA.
Represented Caterpillar in the strike process derived from the Sindicato 20/32's demand to sign a new collective bargaining agreement after the previous one signed with the CTM came to an end.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Francisco Udave Trevino
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Juan Carlos de la Vega; Andrés Rodríguez; Francisco Udave Treviño
Other key lawyers
Álvaro Álvarez; Jaime Vázquez; Ernesto De La Puente; Samuel Flores