Work Slowdown At PAL?

Manila Bulletin

Thursday, October 31, 1996

The various workers unions at Philippine Airlines (PAL) are allegedly resorting to other strategies to call management's attention to their demands.

Non-union members said they have observed a trend towards a general slow-down of work in the airline from slow baggage handling, tardy pilots and cabin crews and even sluggish cargo processing that delays flights for hours.

"Apart from staging protest actions during off-hours, union members are taking undue advantage of a provision in their collective bargaining agreement which allows them to be absent for 24 hours without having to explain to management the reason for such failure to report for work," said a PAL employee who requested anonymity.

"In the last few days, there are more and more PAL workers who have taken unexcused absences," the airline staff said.

"We sympathize with the unions since we're also bound to get the same benefits if they win their demands," said a PAL airport supervisor.

"However, we cannot and will not join the work slowdown because it will only create embarrassment for the airline and cause further financial losses," he added.

Amidst the holiday rush for the observance of All Soul's Day, upset passengers are feeling the ill-effects of the general work slowdown in PAL.

Renato Reyes, 56, whose recent flight to Aklan was canceled for no apparent reason, noted that the airline staff were not their usual efficient, upbeat and service oriented selves.