Mexico's ASPA Seeks Labor Voice in USMCA Review

The Mexican Airline Pilots Union (ASPA) called on the federal government to include labor representatives in the upcoming review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), arguing that workers should participate directly in negotiations affecting trade pact's labor provisions. At the same time, the union renewed its request for tighter regulation of foreign flight crews operating for Mexican airlines, warning that expanded use of wet leasing and outsourcing could undermine domestic employment and labor protections.

During ASPA's 68th General Assembly in Mexico City, Jesús Ortiz Álvarez, Secretary General, ASPA, urged the Ministry of Economy (SE) to incorporate labor organizations into the USMCA review process rather than limiting participation to government officials and industry representatives.

"In the framework of the USMCA, North American integration should not be measured only by supply chains, goods or investment. It should also be measured by decent jobs, freedom of association, safety and better living conditions for workers," Ortiz said.

He added that labor organizations want a permanent role in discussions surrounding the agreement's future. "We do not want to be informed when decisions have already been made," he said.

Ortiz said the union's request is focused on labor provisions contained in Annex 23 of the USMCA, particularly the Rapid Response Labor Mechanism. ASPA has already responded to a government questionnaire regarding the agreement but argues that consultation alone is insufficient.

According to ASPA, labor representatives should participate directly in negotiations covering freedom of association, collective bargaining rights and implementation of labor enforcement mechanisms.

The union also argued that wage growth should continue regardless of the outcome of the trade agreement. Alongside its USMCA proposal, ASPA reiterated its request for stronger regulation governing the use of foreign pilots by Mexican airlines.

The union has repeatedly asked the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport (SICT) to respond to a legislative proposal submitted in December 2025 seeking amendments to Mexico's Civil Aviation Law and Federal Labor Law. According to ASPA, the reforms would clarify pilot eligibility requirements while limiting the use of outsourcing and wet leasing arrangements involving foreign crews.

"The authority asked us to submit a proposal to reinforce the provisions related to the prohibition of foreign pilots, and we complied," Ortiz said. "We were told there would be a meeting in the last week of March, but we have not received an invitation."

ASPA maintains that airlines should prioritize hiring Mexican pilots because qualified personnel remain available domestically. "There are qualified pilots who are ready to receive Airbus training and join the workforce in Mexico," Ortiz said previously.

The union argues that expanded reliance on foreign crews could reduce employment opportunities for Mexican pilots while shifting labor contributions and tax obligations outside the country.

"When this model is used, there is no payment of social security, no Infonavit contributions, and taxes are generated where the personnel are hired, not in Mexico," Ortiz said.

The dispute follows temporary wet lease authorizations granted by the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) in late 2025 that allowed Viva and Volaris to operate aircraft with foreign flight crews while inspections grounded part of their Airbus A320 fleets equipped with Pratt & Whitney engines. AFAC said the temporary measure ensured operational continuity and did not violate aviation regulations because no labor contracts were terminated.

ASPA opposed the decision, arguing that widespread use of foreign pilots could establish a precedent inconsistent with constitutional and aviation law provisions requiring Mexican nationality for flight crews operating national aircraft.

The debate comes as Mexico's aviation industry faces structural workforce challenges. According to Boeing's Pilot and Technician Outlook, Latin America will require more than 37,000 new pilots over the next 20 years. ASPA estimates Mexico alone will need approximately 6,700 additional pilots, while domestic flight schools graduate only between 450 and 800 pilots annually.

Industry representatives have also identified weaknesses in Mexico's pilot training system. ASPA previously said only about half of the country's approximately 250 authorized aviation schools maintain educational standards aligned with commercial airline requirements, creating additional barriers to workforce development despite growing long-term demand.

During the assembly, ASPA also announced that it has secured legal representation of pilots at Mexican cargo airline Mas Air after 68 pilots joined the union. Ortiz said the airline's management has shown willingness to work with the organization, while the union expects the formal registration process to be completed in the coming days.

Regarding the proposed concentration between Viva and Volaris, Ortiz confirmed ASPA has already submitted technical and operational information requested by Mexico's National Antimonopoly Commission. The union said it is not opposed to competition but wants any market restructuring to preserve labor standards.

"We are not against competition," Ortiz said. "If our labor contracts are better than others, then others should move upward, not the other way around."