PAL Union Resorts to Slowdown

People's Journal

Thursday, October 31, 1996

FAILING to secure the Department of Labor's nod on their planned work stoppage, the different workers' unions of Philippine Airlines (PAL) are allegedly resorting to other strategies to call management's attention to their demands.

Non-union members in "Asia's First Airline" said they have observed a trend towards a general slowdown on how things work in the airline from slow baggage handling, tardy pilots anD cabin crews and even sluggish cargo processing that delay flights for hours.

"Apart from staging protest actions during off-hours, union members are taking undue advantage of a provision in their collective bargaining agreement which allows them to be absent for 24 hours without having to explain to management the reason for such failure to report for work," said PAL employes who requested anonymity.

In the last few days, there are increasing numbers of PAL workers who have taken these unexcused absences, fueling speculations that such were deliberately being committed, the airline staff said.

Amidst the holiday rush brought about by the forthcoming commemoration of All Souls' Day, upset passengers are feeling the ill effects of the general work slowdown at PAL. Renato Reyes, 56, whose recent flight to Aklan was canceled for no apparent reason noted that airline staff were not their usual efficient, upbeat and service-oriented selves. "They were taking their sweet time in handling the baggage and flight attendants were late for their flight. Instead of waiting for the usual late passengers, planes were waiting for cabin attendants," Reyes said.

On two occasions last week, Labor Secretary Leonardo Quisumbing issued separate assumption orders which effectively prohibited the different PAL unions from staging a strike.

Under the Philippine Labor Code, the Secretary of Labor has the power to assume jurisdiction and prohibit an impending strike that will derail the operations of public utilities like power and water distribution firms, including air transportation companies which are seen as essential services affecting national interest and security.