What is the NAFTA Side Agreement on Labor and how it is used to address labor issues in Mexico, the U.S., and Canada?

The NAFT side agreement on labor, called the North American Agreement on Labor Cooperation, was adopted to address labor's fears that low Mexican wages might undercut U.S. competitiveness, put downward pressure on U.S. wages and working conditions, and cause widespread plant closings and job loss. The NAALC provides 11 guiding principles that promote union activity, nondiscrimination, equal pay, minimum wages, and workplace safety. However there are no uniform standards and, at best, the NAALC provides a forum for complaints against employers to be heard. These complaints stem from violations of each country's individual laws and not an attempt to create common labor standards across the 3 countries.