Introduction to the STPS Agenda for Aviation Labor
Omar Nacib Estefan Fuentes, General Director of Social Prevision at the Secretaría de Trabajo y Previsión Social (STPS), highlighted three crucial topics that the department is closely monitoring as significant challenges for Mexico and the global aviation industry.
Three Key Areas of Focus
- Regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI is a critical area to regulate in the coming years, as it offers support but also presents substantial challenges.
- Climate Change Impact: The effects of climate change on aviation operations and the health risks associated with constant exposure to high altitudes require attention.
- Reduction of Work Hours: The gradual reduction of work hours nationwide will necessitate a reevaluation of labor conditions in the aviation sector.
AI Regulation: Balancing Support and Challenges
Estefan explained that AI, while beneficial, poses significant challenges. He cited the aviation sector as an example, emphasizing the potential stress caused by constant algorithmic monitoring of workers and the risk of reducing pilot crews to a single person, thereby increasing pressure.
He also pointed out the importance of considering how excessive reliance on AI might diminish essential human skills. The STPS plans to address these concerns through dialogue with all stakeholders, ensuring that AI enhances working conditions without compromising them.
Climate Change and Health Risks
Estefan highlighted the need to regulate health risks associated with constant exposure to high altitudes and varying atmospheric pressures faced by aviation workers, such as pilots and cabin crew.
He noted that although there is a Mexican Official Norm for pressure in other uses, there is currently no specific regulation to protect those exposed to depressurization and various pressures throughout the day.
Work Hours Reduction: Adapting to Future Changes
The STPS is also focusing on the gradual reduction of work hours nationwide, which will require rethinking labor conditions in the aviation sector. Estefan emphasized the importance of considering how existing collective bargaining agreements will adapt to new legislation and whether even shorter work hours, like those in France (35 hours or fewer), could be pursued.
He stressed that these challenges must be addressed through technical, comparative analysis and a deep respect for dialogue with workers and employers.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are the key areas of focus for STPS in aviation labor? The three main topics are regulating AI, addressing climate change impacts on worker health, and adapting to reduced work hours.
- How does the STPS plan to tackle AI challenges in aviation? The STPS intends to address these concerns through dialogue with all stakeholders, ensuring AI enhances working conditions without compromising them.
- What health risks does climate change pose to aviation workers? Constant exposure to varying atmospheric pressures at high altitudes poses health risks that currently lack sufficient regulation.
- How will the STPS adapt to the gradual reduction of work hours? The STPS aims to reevaluate labor conditions in light of future nationwide reductions, considering existing collective bargaining agreements and potential shorter work hours.
