Just a few days after flight crews saved 380 people from a collision at the Tokyo airport, passengers on a Boeing 737 MAX 9 plane reported a terrifying experience where they thought they were going to die. Fortunately, no one was sitting near the door, the plane was not at maximum altitude, and the flight crew responded quickly to prevent casualties. Due to this incident and the discovery of loose bolts on other Boeing MAX 9 planes, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has grounded all Boeing 737 MAX 9 planes for further investigation and inspection.
This is not the first time the Boeing 737 MAX has faced issues, as it was involved in crashes in 2018 and 2019 which resulted in over 300 deaths. The recent news has shed light on a wider breakdown in the aviation industry, implicating not only Boeing executives but also federal regulators. The industry has been plagued by a lack of safety regulations, underfunded oversight agencies, and corporate greed that puts profits over the safety of workers and passengers.
The industry-wide crisis has led to mental health issues among pilots, air traffic controllers, and others in the industry, with workers facing exhausting working conditions that compromise safety. A national shortage of air traffic controllers has led to dangerous mistakes, while pilots are facing immense pressures leading to physical and mental health problems. Flight attendants are also struggling financially, with many living in poverty despite working for profitable airlines.
In response to these conditions, aviation workers are organizing and fighting back for better wages, working conditions, and passenger safety. Flight attendants and pilots at various airlines have engaged in contract negotiations, rejected proposed agreements, and voted to authorize strikes to demand better pay and benefits. A working-class fightback is needed to fundamentally change the aviation industry and prioritize the safety and well-being of workers and passengers.
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