Baldoz rules out strike at PAL

October 8, 2010
JC Bello Ruiz
Manila Bulletin

Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz yesterday ruled out a possible strike in the Philippine Airlines (PAL), saying that she does not foresee a defiance of the assumption of jurisdiction order she issued last Wednesday, prohibiting members of the Flight Attendants and Stewards Association of the Philippines (FASAP) from proceeding with the planned work stoppage.

Baldoz said FASAP has a very good history of complying with orders from the labor department.
“I don't forsee any defiance. Any actual strike is still to be declared, while I am deciding the case because FASAP has a very good history of complying with DoLE,” Baldoz told reporters in an interview at the sidelines of the town-hall meeting of President Aquino at the La Consolacion College in Mendiola, Manila.

The order prohibits FASAP from going on strike as those who would disobey the directive could lose their jobs.

Aquino had directed Baldoz to take over the labor dispute at the flag carrier.

She immediately took over settlement of the PAL conflict last Wednesday, noting that PAL is imbued with national interest and both the PAL management and FASAP have already expressed willingness to submit the case of arbitration.

“I have given them a 15-day non-extendable period for them to file position papers and submit replies. After that within a period of 30 days, the DoLE can decide the case for them,” she explained.
Asked how DoLE will make both parties meet halfway, Baldoz said: “As is said, arbitration can give way to any request of both parties to go back to the negotiating table and I will preside over the conciliation only on my level.”

“For now, all avenues are exhausted for settlement from both ends. Anytime they soften their stand, I can be very sensitive, and I can call back the parties to the negotiating table and the other situation is either one of them can request to, there are some possible avenues for settlement, in which case I can defer the decision,” she said.