DoLE Assumes Jurisdiction of PAL Impasse

By SAMUEL P. MEDENILLA
October 6, 2010, 6:14pm
Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) has issued an assumption of jurisdiction (AOJ) order over the labor dispute between the Philippine Airlines (PAL) and its flight crew barring the possibility of a strike.

Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said in an interview on Wednesday that she issued the AOJ after the mediation meeting between PAL management and the Flight Attendant’s and the Stewards’ Association of the Philippines (FASAP) collapsed.

“I have considered the nation’s interest and the willingness of both parties in submitting their case to DoLE in issuing the assumption of jurisdiction order,” Baldoz said.

The AOJ will prohibit FASAP from going on strike and will maintain the status quo over the labor dispute until DoLE issues a resolution over the case.

Baldoz, who was recently appointed by President Benigno S. Aquino III in a permanent capacity as labor secretary, said that if FASAP still pushes through with its demonstration, which can be declared illegal, its members could face dismissal.

She also said DoLE will give both parties 10 days upon receipt of the AOJ to submit their position papers to the labor department.

Another five days will also be allotted after their initial submission for both parties to reply on issues raised by their opposing group.

“Unless there are new developments that will come out in the process of assumption and compulsory arbitration, the case will have to be resolved through a decision not through a settlement,” Baldoz said in a earlier radio interview.

Meanwhile, despite receiving a strike ban, FASAP said in a statement said that it is willing to abide by DoLE’s arbitration.

“If the decision to resolve the dispute is passed on to the good Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz's jurisdiction, then FASAP hopes that she will resolve the dispute immediately, especially the gender and discrimination issues in retirement age, pregnancy, and maternity policies,” FASAP president Robert Anduiza said.

FASAP filed a motion for strike at the National Conciliation and Mediation Board last September 9 after negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement with the PAL management ended with a deadlock.

Among the issues contested on their meetings were the flight crews’ economic benefits, pregnancy and maternity leave, and early retirement age.