PAL hikes offer to cabin crew

Aura Marie P. Dagcutan
Posted on 04:49 PM, September 23, 2010
BusinessWorld

LUCIO C. Tan-led Philippine Airlines (PAL) management has “agreed in principle” to expand maternity benefits of its flight attendants and stewards but both sides remained “deadlocked” on the issue of compensation and changes in the retirement age of crew members.
In a statement, PAL spokeswoman Ma. Cielo C. Villaluna said that on top of the original P80-million offer for a new collective bargaining agreement, the flag carrier agreed to a P25-million increase in their rice allowance for the period 2007 to 2010.

This brings to P105-million the total economic package offered to Flight Attendants’ and Stewards’ Association of the Philippines (FASAP).

However, Ms. Villaluna said the expanded benefits and allowances are part of a package, and the approval is contingent on the signing by the company and FASAP of “a final agreement that puts to rest all economic, gender and retirement issues under discussion.”

"The offers were made in good faith, proof that PAL is sincere in its efforts to settle and finally put closure to its 2005-2010 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with FASAP," she said.

She added: “Despite significant strides during Wednesday's five-hour PAL-FASAP talks, sticky points remain such as the compensation package and changes in the retirement age of crew members.”

Ms. Villaluna said the airline could only offer P105 million after suffering huge losses in the last two years, “but it appears that the union wants much more than what PAL is capable of giving.” --