PAL operations remain normal amid PALEA's strike vote bid

December 6, 2010, 6:59pm
The Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Airlines (PAL) has assured the riding public that flights remain normal amid the decision of the PAL Employees Association (PALEA), the flag carrier’s ground-based labor union, to hold a strike vote Tuesday, citing PAL’s continuous unfair labor practice.
“A work stoppage does not happen overnight. PAL will exhaust all legal means to prevent any disruption that could hurt the economy and cause inconvenience to the riding public,” PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said.

Should PALEA pushes through with its strike vote, PAL will have seven days as provided by the law to question its legality before the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE).

While PAL management has received assurances from various employee groups that they will not join any strike, Villaluna said PAL has contingency measures in place.

“PAL has made arrangements with sister airline Airphilexpress and other local carriers to help carry domestic passengers, while PAL’s 134 interline partners are also ready to lend a hand in our international routes. To ensure the steady supply of food and other amenities, PAL also made arrangements with several catering firms to supply meals,” she said.

PALEA President Gerardo Rivera Monday announced that the union will hold a strike vote among its members, the final requirement for holding a strike, after alleging the PAL management’s continuous “individual bargaining” with PALEA members.

“If management does not desist from harassing PALEA members to avail of the separation offer which is tantamount to individual bargaining and therefore illegal then we will be forced to actually hold the strike. Management continues to violate its own promise during the mediation last November 8 that PAL managers will refrain from discussing the issues with PALEA members,” Rivera said.
PAL argued, however, that the notice of strike vote PALEA filed before the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) “is without basis,” saying that the conditions that justify the holding of a referendum calling for a work stoppage are not present. (Samuel P. Medenilla)