Video of Incident Spreads on Social Media, Shining Light on Mexico’s Labor Conditions
All Passengers Disembark and Transfer to Alternative Flights
Serious Wage Arrears Issues in Aviation and Transportation Industries
In Mexico, an incident occurred in which an airline captain refused to take off in protest of unpaid wages, prompting authorities to launch an investigation. This incident has once again highlighted both aviation safety concerns and the poor labor conditions in Mexico. On December 23, Yonhap News TV, citing AFP and other foreign media, reported that a pilot in Mexico refused to take off and staged a sit-in in the cockpit.
The incident took place on the 29th at Mexico City’s Benito Juarez International Airport on a flight scheduled to depart for the resort city of Cancun. The aircraft was already fully boarded and preparing for takeoff when the captain suddenly refused to depart, resulting in a complete halt of the schedule. Footage of the incident quickly spread on social media. In the video, the captain publicly protested, stating, “This plane will not depart until the company pays the overdue wages.” He claimed he had not received about five months’ worth of salary and travel expenses.
The captain also mentioned his personal circumstances. Revealing that he is the father of three children, he said, “In nearly three years of working for this airline, I have never once failed to properly carry out a flight mission. I am truly sorry for the inconvenience to the passengers, but you should not have to go through this situation.” As a result, the passengers reportedly disembarked and transferred to other flights. The captain was subsequently detained by airport authorities, and airport management stated, “Authorities are investigating to determine the details of the incident.”
Analysts say this incident is just one example of the labor disputes that are not uncommon in Mexico’s aviation industry. Previously, there have been several cases in Mexico where bus drivers, freight truck drivers, and airport ground staff have stopped operations or staged collective protests due to wage arrears or deteriorating working conditions. In particular, since the COVID-19 pandemic, some small and medium-sized airlines and charter operators have repeatedly delayed or withheld salary payments, citing management difficulties. Labor unions point out that the very fact that pilots responsible for aviation safety are facing livelihood insecurity is a structural problem.
Although Mexico has legal minimum wage and worker protection systems in place, wage arrears and unstable employment remain widespread in practice. The high rate of informal employment and the practice of shifting corporate financial difficulties onto workers are also cited as problems. Experts stress, “This incident cannot be seen as merely an individual’s deviation,” adding that “institutional improvements are needed from both the perspective of labor rights protection and aviation safety.” Meanwhile, attention is focused on how the Mexican authorities will handle this case and to what extent the airline will be held accountable.
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