PAL Urges DoLE to Avert Strike

By SAMUEL P. MEDENILLA
September 29, 2010, 8:12pm
Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Airlines (PAL) has asked the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) to intervene to avert the planned strike of the Flight Attendants' and Stewards' Association of the Philippines (FASAP).

“PAL would like to assure our passengers that a strike will not happen overnight. Management is asking DoLE to immediately step in to avert the strike and protect the interests of the riding public," PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said.

Villaluna said the management of the country’s flag carrier was surprised with the decision of FASAP since it initially agreed to continue with negotiations until the end of the 30-day cooling period set by the National Conciliation and Mediation Board.

“It was upon DoLE's recommendation that PAL and the FASAP agreed to a recess and to meet again next week. PAL management was surprised by FASAP's sudden turnaround by announcing their decision to strike,” Villaluna said.

She explained that PAL agreed to increase the retirement age to 45 from 40 if the union would allow junior cabin crew members to fly international along with their senior counterparts.
“Contrary to FASAP's claims, there will be no layoffs as a result of the mixed crew scheme. There will also be no reduction in flight assignments and pay of international cabin attendants. Why is FASAP so averse to the idea of their younger members earning a little more?” Villaluna asked.
She added that PAL's early retirement age is benchmarked to other carriers in the region. “PAL maintains that while the early retirement age is negotiable, it is by no means illegal nor immoral,” she said.

She added that from day one, FASAP has not shown any intention to consider anything short of their demands. “A negotiation is like a two-way street; it's give and take. It's very difficult to deal and negotiate with a party who only wants things to go their way,” Villaluna stressed.
PAL is now considering emergency precautions and assured the public that its operations will not be affected in case FASAP will be push through with its strike.