Spin-off can’t be undone, PAL insists

by Eric B. Apolonio
Manila Standard Today

Philippine Airlines on Wednesday maintained its position that a new collective bargaining agreement with its ground workers’ union should not include discussions on the ‘spin-off’ issue as the same has been upheld as a legal and valid exercise of management prerogative.

 Appearing before the National Labor Relations Commission, PAL president and chief operating officer Jaime J. Bautista reiterated the flag carrier’s position that the spin-off plan involving catering, call center reservations and groundhandling departments “is firm, non-negotiable and therefore cannot be part of a new CBA that the union wants.”

 The Labor department under President Arroyo and even President Aquino recognized the PAL management’s right to restructure its operations to ensure long term survival and save jobs, Bautista stressed.

 While the ‘spin-off’ will result in the early retirement of some 2,600 ground workers, these employees will be absorbed/hired by third party service providers, Bautista said.

 “No man will be left behind,” he said. “Those who are willing to work for the service providers have secure jobs waiting for them, while the remaining 5,000 workers of PAL will have a better chance of keeping their jobs in the leaner but meaner airline.”

 Bautista also belied claims by the PAL employees association that management refuses to convene negotiations for a new CBA.

 He said PAL submitted its counter proposal to the collective bargaining agreement last March 28 at the National Conciliation and Mediation Board. “This is the best proof that PAL is willing to negotiate with its union,” he stressed.

 He added that it will be absurd for the PAL management to agree to include the ‘spin-off’ issue in the CBA negotiations when it has already secured the green light from DOLE and Malacanang to proceed with the same.