INQUIRER.net
First Posted 09/21/2010
MANILA, Philippines—The complaint filed by Philippine Airlines flight attendants before the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) smacks of “forum-shopping,” the flag carrier said in a statement.
“It shows disrespect and a disturbing lack of confidence in the ongoing mediation hearings at the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE),” PAL added.
PAL recalled that it was Fasap (Flight Attendants' and Stewards' Association of the Philippines) that filed a notice of strike before DoLE alleging violations of workers’ rights, ranging from maternity benefits, retirement age, and pay.
It argued that DoLE has primary jurisdiction over these labor issues, and thus is the proper venue to discuss and resolve them.
“By raising the same issues before the CHR, is Fasap forum shopping to gain media mileage and public sympathy? We believe DoLE should take this matter seriously and put Fasap to task for making a mockery of a legitimate and on-going legal process,” PAL said.
In the meantime, PAL said it hopes the CHR will allow DoLE to perform its functions in accordance with law.
PAL “also hopes the CHR will be fair and impartial in handling this case, especially since current CHR Chairperson Loretta Ann Rosales has publicly taken a position on the PAL-Fasap issue even before she was appointed CHR head,” it said.
It noted that President Benigno Aquino III has instructed DoLE to take the lead in resolving Fasap’s labor row with PAL management.
“But by using multiple venues, Fasap seems to be putting the President and DoLE in a straightjacket. It wants to show that it can choose a forum where it hopes to get a favorable decision,” it said.
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