PAL welcomes designation of Ochoa to broker PAL, union talks

Tuesday, 07 December 2010 21:09 Lenie Lectura
Business Mirror

PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) on Tuesday welcomed the decision of President Aquino to designate Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa to broker talks between PAL and its ground workers’ union.
PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said in a statement that the flag carrier wants to finally resolve the issue of whether the PAL Employees Association (Palea) has legal grounds to conduct a strike vote, much less engage in a work stoppage.

“PAL appreciates President Aquino’s concern and desire to put closure to the PAL-Palea dispute. Like the President, PAL believes that the public deserves a quick resolution to this issue so as not to further cause anxiety to thousands of passengers who have already firmed up their holiday travel plans,” she said.

PAL lawyers are questioning the legality and propriety of the strike vote. Villaluna said: “It’s not a question of how many ‘yes’ or ‘no’ votes were cast by Palea members; the issue is whether or not there is a legal justification for such referendum. PAL believes there is none.”

Villaluna said it’s business as usual at PAL despite the ongoing strike vote by members of its rank-and-file union.

“All flights continue to operate normally according to published schedules.”

She assured PAL passengers, especially those flying in and out of the country during the coming holidays, the airline is exerting all efforts to ensure there will be no flight disruptions.

“Philippine Airlines apologizes for the inconvenience and anxiety caused by recent news reports about the planned strike of its ground workers. Please be assured that PAL is exhausting all legal avenues to avert a work stoppage. There are no winners in a strike: the economy, the airline, its workers and most importantly, the riding public, are all losers in a labor strike,” she said.

Villaluna urged PAL passengers to come to the airport early—at least two hours before the intended departure time—to avoid long queues and other inconveniences.

“With heavy traffic, huge volume of passengers and tighter security checks as the holiday nears, we would like to request our passengers to devote enough lead time when going to the airport. Please ensure that tickets and all travel documents are in order prior to approaching the check in counters,” she said.

Villaluna said that for inquiries and other flight-related matters, PAL passengers may call the PAL reservation hotline at 855-8888 or visit its website at www.philippineairlines.com.ph.
(Lenie Lectura)