CHR Begins Probe on PAL Gender Discrimination; PAL Airs Side

September 21, 2010, 11:59am
Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines (PNA) — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Monday said it has started investigating the alleged anti-women and gender discrimination policies of the flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL).

This developed after the The Flight Attendants' and Stewards' Association of the Philippines (FASAP) filed a complaint before the CHR Central in Diliman, Quezon City.

CHR Chairman Rosetta Rosales said the violations of PAL were "obvious," and that the CHR would work together with the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) in resolving the issue.
FASAP had already brought the case to DoLE for preventive mediation. Rosales said the case was a "top priority" and the CHR would come out with a resolution by the end of the month.

Meanwhile, the management of Philippine Airlines (PAL) said FASAP’s move to file a complaint with the CHR undermines the mediation efforts of the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE).
PAL said filing a complaint before the CHR smacks of "forum-shopping," and shows FASAP's lack of confidence in the ongoing mediation hearings at DoLE.

"Remember: it was FASAP who filed a notice of strike before DOLE alleging violations of workers' rights, ranging from maternity benefits, retirement age and pay,” PAL said.

“Since DoLE has primary jurisdiction over these labor issues, Philippine Airlines believes that the Labor Department is the proper venue to discuss and resolve them," PAL also said in a statement.