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	Safety & Security always comes first, that's why we never compromise.

German Martinez Sierra, based in Aguascalientes, Mexico joined Menzies in 2012 as a ramp agent and has recently started training to become a GSE operator. German was the winner of the global Safety & Security award and was also chosen as our Employee of the Year for his commitment to safety.

His nomination describes how German put safety and security first: “In July 2021 a United Airlines flight was about to depart. The walk around inspection had been completed when German noticed damage in one of the engines and informed his supervisor. Passengers had to be deplaned and there was a three-hour delay. Despite German being a general worker, he did something that few would have done, and as soon as he noticed the damage he reported it, thus setting an example for his colleagues.”

German described the incident and how he felt about receiving the award “I was in the process of loading bags when I noticed damage on the aircraft engine. I didn’t know if I should report it to someone as I know the flight crew conducts an inspection by walking around the flight to check for damages, and also that aircraft mechanics also conduct inspections. Do I go and report it or not? Part of me was saying, ‘I’m sure the experts have already looked into this and if they deemed it was ok to continue the process then they must know, after all, they are the experts. What if I go tell them and they tell me to mind my own business?’ The other part of me was saying, ‘What if they haven’t noticed and the people flying were my family or the families of my teammates?’ My duty was to report it, I couldn’t ignore the situation and I immediately reported the damage.”

“I am so proud to receive this award, I feel like a kid at Christmas and I can’t wait to get home to tell my wife and family.”

Sandino Hernandez, SVP Human Resources Americas travelled to Aguascalientes to surprise the team and present German with his award: “German lives in a small town near the airport, which is one of the many underserved communities in Mexico, and truly, German is one of the most humble and hardworking individuals I have had the pleasure to meet in the company. I am honored to have presented the award to German, an individual who truly embodies the values of this organization.”