Workers at the Corning Science de Mexico maquiladora in Reynosa, just across the border at Texas’s southern tip, are struggling against both their employer and their union for real representation in the workplace.

The workers, who make scientific equipment for laboratories, charge that the company and the union work in concert to violate their rights and hold down working conditions.

A group of dissidents, calling themselves the Commission of the Workers of Corning Science Factory (CTEC), have pulled away from the company union. They report abuse at the plant and inaction on the part of the official union.

Most of the charges are leveled against the union president, Angel Tito Rodriguez, who CTEC says is unresponsive to members and all too willing to do management’s bidding.

When two workers were unjustly fired, CTEC tried to file grievances but the union turned them away. Their coworkers protested the union’s lack of action and demonstrated outside the factory in support. Rodriguez responded by calling their behavior subversive. CTEC general secretary Lorena Gonzalez said one official threatened them, saying that “if we didn’t want to float in the river with gags in our mouths, we should stop the demonstrations.”

CTEC members have renounced membership in the union, but the company refuses to deal with anyone but Rodriguez. They are asking for calls to Corning, demanding the company stop labor violations and recognize the workers’ renunciation of the union. The Mexican headquarters can be reached at 800-743-2671. Or call the parent company’s New York office at 607-974-9000.