Labor chief says PAL labor dispute can be resolved in 5 to 10 days

By Philip Tubeza
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 10/05/2010

MANILA, Philippines—Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said on Tuesday she would be formally assuming jurisdiction over the labor dispute between Philippine Airlines and its flight attendants' union by Wednesday, a move that would bar any strike in the flag carrier.

Baldoz, who was in Tagaytay City to attend the 10th National Public Employment Service Office Congress on Tuesday, said she would like to resolve the labor dispute within five days, if possible.
"If they want it resolved immediately, I could come out with my decision in five days. If they need more time to present their side, I could give them another five days," Baldoz said.

She said she could not assume jurisdiction over the case on Tuesday because she needed time to go over the records of the case.
"(Both sides) have to present their position papers but I will assume jurisdiction," Baldoz said.

Baldoz said that both parties could ask for "one or two more hearings" after her assumption of jurisdiction just to see if they could still hammer out an agreement.

She noted that the Philippine Airlines Employees Association (PALEA), which also had a pending labor dispute with PAL, sought two more hearings in its case.

"I'll have to go over the minutes of (Tuesday's) hearing and that of the (four) other (previous) hearings. I also have to see the report of the (National Conciliation and Mediation Board)," Baldoz said.