Published 19 May, 2011
Outsourcing aircraft maintenance to overseas facilities with low pay, little oversight and minimal training is a threat to decent union jobs in the U.S. and a safety concern for the flying public, according to a recent investigative report by KIRO 7 Eyewitness News in Seattle, WA.
The report, Third-World Mechanics Paid $2 Per Hour For Boeing, Airbus Jet Repairs, found extensive aircraft repair work being done for major U.S. airlines, such as U.S. Airways and Southwest, in Central America and Asia. And why? Cheap wages.
Investigative Reporter Chris Halsne traveled to El Salvador to visit a repair shop called Aeroman that provides maintenance on Boeing aircrafts. The reporters were denied entrance but interviewed several mechanics from the facility who recounted safety concerns ranging from rushed work, dangerous repairs and a lack of experienced mechanics. The company pays low wages, many mechanics make $2-$3 per hour, and hires young, 18-19, workers with little qualifications or education.
The reporters found supporting evidence of safety concerns:
There is documentation to back those concerns up. KIRO Team 7 Investigators uncovered some recent reports of sloppy repair work connected with Aeroman in El Salvador. In 2009, a US Airways jet had to make an emergency landing in Denver after Aeroman employees installed some door components and seals backwards. And we confirmed at least two more recent serious errors, both dealing with mixed up wiring.
A review of the latest FAA inspection report lists over 100 violations at Aeroman in El Salvador.