Background on ASSA and its Relevance
The Association of Mexican Airline Cabin Crew (ASSA) represents the interests of flight attendants working for various airlines in Mexico, including Aeroméxico. Led by Ada Salazar, ASSA has been actively advocating for better working conditions and fair compensation for its members.
Current Negotiations and Demands
ASSA has announced a new Extraordinary General Assembly on Friday, May 30th at 15:00 due to the impending strike deadline set for June 1st. The union has not received any proposals from Aeroméxico to prevent the labor stoppage.
Although ASSA has not specified a particular salary increase, they aim to secure a significant raise that acknowledges the hard work and health risks faced by flight attendants working in artificial cabin environments. This increase is intended to balance the high cost of living in Mexico.
Aeroméxico’s Proposal and Rejection
Last week, Aeroméxico’s management presented a proposal to ASSA. The proposal included a 2.9% increase for Contract A and a 3.25% increase for Contract B, both of which were rejected by a majority vote.
ASSA’s Key Points and Impact
ASSA emphasizes that the fight for better wages extends beyond mere salary increases. The union seeks to recover the purchasing power lost between 2020 and 2024, which amounts to 12.12%, amidst an overall inflation rate of 29.89%.
“The struggle for flight attendants goes beyond just a salary increase; it’s about recovering the wage gap relative to the rising cost of living and the outdated minimum wage increases,” ASSA stated.
Moreover, 60% of the 3,200 workers in Contract B earn only 1.8 minimum wages, which prevents them from affording housing, accessing credit, or paying for necessary union disability insurance due to job-related risks.
Current Status and Future Outlook
As of now, ASSA remains prepared for a possible strike and awaits the next conciliation meeting. The union is determined to secure fair compensation for its members, ensuring their wages reflect the realities of living costs in Mexico.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is ASSA’s primary goal in the negotiations? ASSA aims to recover the 12.12% purchasing power lost between 2020 and 2024, which is eroded by a 29.89% inflation rate.
- What was Aeroméxico’s proposed salary increase? Aeroméxico offered a 2.9% raise for Contract A and a 3.25% increase for Contract B, both of which were rejected by ASSA.
- Why are flight attendants seeking a significant salary increase? The raise is intended to compensate for the rising cost of living and acknowledge the health risks faced by flight attendants working in artificial cabin environments.
- How does the current wage affect flight attendants’ quality of life? With 60% of Contract B workers earning only 1.8 minimum wages, they struggle to afford housing, access credit, or secure necessary disability insurance due to job-related risks.
