**Icon Aircraft Employees Demand Compensation Reflective of Long-Term Service**
In Tijuana, workers from Icon Aircraft, a company that ceased operations in June, are calling for their severance payments to reflect their long-standing service, rather than the 2021 date proposed by the company. Nayeli Serrano, a personnel trainer at Icon Aircraft, stated that more than half of the 207 employees have dedicated approximately eight years to the company, which is known for manufacturing private airplanes.
The situation arises from a significant restructuring in 2021, where due to changes in Mexican outsourcing laws, employees initially hired by Grupo Esparza Consulting under an outsourcing scheme were transferred to Coproducción International of Tijuana SA de CV. Despite this transition, employees received documents indicating that all responsibilities were transferred to the new employer, maintaining their continuity of service.
The workers have also filed a lawsuit against Icon Aircraft for unjust dismissal and unpaid wages, resulting in a court granting them a lien on the company’s assets located at the Thomas Alva Edison industrial park. In a more complex twist, Icon Aircraft filed for bankruptcy in the United States, ceasing operations altogether.
Nayeli Serrano lamented the company’s refusal to settle outstanding payments since July and highlighted their absence in negotiations, noting a failed arbitration attempt. Alejandro Arregui Ibarra, the Secretary of Labor and Social Welfare for Baja California, emphasized that despite their legal maneuvers from their San Diego headquarters, the company must honor its commitments under Mexican law.
A preliminary hearing is set for October 24, aiming to resolve the ongoing dispute between the employees and company representatives.
**Secondary Article: Broader Impact on Tijuana’s Economy**
The shutdown of Icon Aircraft is part of a larger economic challenge in Tijuana’s industrial landscape, marking a loss of over 16,000 jobs across the sector. This has prompted concerns about employment security and fair labor practices in the region. Alongside these issues, workers have expressed an increase in workplace stress, linked to job insecurity and poor management practices known as “mobbing,” according to psychiatric experts.
Amidst these pressures, the local economy has also been plagued by small businesses falling victim to bogus municipal inspectors. Additionally, recent police reports have highlighted rising incidents of violent crimes, including a double homicide in Lomas Taurinas and a crackdown on several bars found employing minors and storing weapons.
Moreover, efforts are being made to reinforce labor rights, especially concerning ergonomic injuries in manufacturing jobs. Expert Jorge Arturo Vila Medina advocates for companies to adhere to guidelines preventing workplace injuries, emphasized by the implementation of Norma 36 standards.
Despite the challenges, Tijuana saw a hopeful cultural moment with the inauguration of a Day of the Dead altar in Mercado Hidalgo, celebrated with participation from the local community and vocal performances by the Diversity Choir.