Aeroméxico Pilots Extend Strike Deadline as Talks Continue

The Mexican Union of Airline Pilots (ASPA) has postponed a planned strike against Aeroméxico, granting the company until Oct. 8 to reach a labor agreement. 

The union, representing Aeroméxico pilots, had initially set the strike for Oct. 1, following the rejection of two proposals from the airline. More than 80% of pilots voted against the offers, citing dissatisfaction with salary and labor conditions.

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“We chose to extend the strike deadline because an agreement with the airline has not been reached. However, we remain committed to protecting passengers and ensuring that the inauguration ceremonies proceed without disruption,” ASPA stated. The union emphasized that the extension is temporary and contingent on further discussions with the company.

“Our pilots stand firm in their legitimate demand for improved labor and salary conditions. Nonetheless, we remain open to dialogue and negotiation with Aeroméxico, provided the company acknowledges the true value of its pilots,” the union noted. ASPA highlighted that its main objective is to secure better working conditions and a significant wage increase.

Aeroméxico confirmed the extension and reiterated its commitment to continuing operations as planned during the negotiation period. “ASPA has requested an eight-day extension to allow for further negotiations of the collective bargaining agreement. All flights will continue as scheduled,” the airline announced, without providing further details. Aeroméxico stressed its willingness to maintain “an open and transparent dialogue to reach agreements that benefit our pilots while allowing Aeroméxico to keep flying high.”

The labor dispute centers on ASPA’s demand for a double-digit wage increase, a point of contention in the renegotiation of the collective agreement. Aeroméxico has so far rejected these salary demands.

“We recognize the invaluable work of the labor authorities that have intervened in this process. We are grateful to our fellow unions for their solidarity and to our passengers for their empathy and understanding,” ASPA said.

For Aeroméxico, this is a critical juncture as it continues to recover from the financial challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States in mid-2020, a move aimed at restructuring its debt and operations and emerged from bankruptcy protection in 2022.