September 11, 2010, 2:01pm
Manila Bulletin
SANGLEY POINT, Cavite City (PNA) — President Benigno S. Aquino III on Friday renewed his appeal to officials and employees of Philippine Airlines to go to the bargaining table and find a win-win solution to the row that has affected the country’s airline and tourism industry.
The President issued the directive a day after the Flight Attendants and Stewards Association of the Philippines, which boasts of a membership of about 1,600, filed a notice of strike at the Department of Labor and Employment.
The move comes on the heels of a serious disruption in PAL flights two weeks ago when some 25 of the airline’s pilots abandoned their jobs to seek greener pastures abroad. The move was seen by PAL management as a breach of contract.
"I appeal to both sides, both the labor and the management, to go to the bargaining table with the end in view of really achieving that agreement because at the end of the day I guarantee you, we will not sacrifice the public interest,“ he said. “If I have to choose between the PAL and the Filipino people, I think the choice is obvious. So I want to remind them of that."
To help solve the crisis, the President ordered Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, the Department of Labor and Employment, and the Department of Transportation and Communication to help ensure that PAL and its attendants would reach a favorable agreement.
The President also said the possibility of adopting an open skies policy is now being considered by the government should the impasse continue.
“If it is necessary we will do it to minimize disruption to the riding public," he said.
In preparation for the possible strike of the flight attendants, the Civil Aviation Board, according to the Chief Executive has already issued a notice to other airlines that they will be given potential slots should a disruption occur.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Aquino appeals to PAL labor, management to resume talks
By Aurea Calica (The Philippine Star) Updated September 11, 2010 12:00 AM
MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino appealed yesterday to the management and employees of Philippine Airlines (PAL) to return to the negotiating table and consider public interest in their decision.
The President said he instructed the Department of Transportation and Communications, the Office of the Executive Secretary and the Department of Labor and Employment to intervene in the talks.
He said the government officials must enter “into the picture and continue to be into a picture to get both sides to an agreement.”
At the same time, the President said the review of the open skies policy was being fasttracked since a more liberalized aviation industry could attract more tourists to visit the country.
The Flight Attendants and Stewards Association of the Philippines filed a notice of strike with the Department of Labor and Employment on Thursday. FASAP vice-president Andy Ortega said the group’s 1,600 members would join the strike.
“I appeal to both sides, both labor and management, to go to the bargaining table with the end in view of really achieving that agreement. At the end of the day, I guarantee you we will not sacrifice the public interest,” Mr. Aquino said.
“If I have to choose between the PAL and the Filipino people, I think the choice is obvious. So I want to remind them of that,’ he stressed.
But the President expressed confidence the FASAP would not go into an illegal strike.
“This is an industry imbued with national interest. The secretary of labor can take cognizance of the same. She was interviewed (Thursday) and she did mention two things: There is no strike yet then they are enjoined from going on strike, and if they are already on strike they will be issued return to work orders and then mediation. They are hopeful that there will be a resolution to all of these issues,” he said.
The President added the forthcoming collective bargaining agreement negotiations could be used to reach an amicable solution.
“At this point, there is no expectation that the services will be disrupted. But even without that expectation, there has been a notice by the CAB (Civil Aviation Board) to other airlines of potential slots that they will be given to replace the slots that PAL probably will not be servicing if they go on strike,” Aquino said.
Mr. Aquino said that if necessary, he would impose the open skies policy “to minimize disruptions to the riding public” caused by PAL problems.
The notice of strike was filed after FASAP failed to reach a compromise agreement with PAL management during mediation talks at the National Conciliation and Mediation Board last Aug. 9.
FASAP withdrew from the talks after PAL refused to change its policies on mandatory retirement age and on maternity and pregnancy leaves.
Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz earlier said that after a notice of strike was filed, it would take 30 days for a cooling off period to still look for a settlement.
MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino appealed yesterday to the management and employees of Philippine Airlines (PAL) to return to the negotiating table and consider public interest in their decision.
The President said he instructed the Department of Transportation and Communications, the Office of the Executive Secretary and the Department of Labor and Employment to intervene in the talks.
He said the government officials must enter “into the picture and continue to be into a picture to get both sides to an agreement.”
At the same time, the President said the review of the open skies policy was being fasttracked since a more liberalized aviation industry could attract more tourists to visit the country.
The Flight Attendants and Stewards Association of the Philippines filed a notice of strike with the Department of Labor and Employment on Thursday. FASAP vice-president Andy Ortega said the group’s 1,600 members would join the strike.
“I appeal to both sides, both labor and management, to go to the bargaining table with the end in view of really achieving that agreement. At the end of the day, I guarantee you we will not sacrifice the public interest,” Mr. Aquino said.
“If I have to choose between the PAL and the Filipino people, I think the choice is obvious. So I want to remind them of that,’ he stressed.
But the President expressed confidence the FASAP would not go into an illegal strike.
“This is an industry imbued with national interest. The secretary of labor can take cognizance of the same. She was interviewed (Thursday) and she did mention two things: There is no strike yet then they are enjoined from going on strike, and if they are already on strike they will be issued return to work orders and then mediation. They are hopeful that there will be a resolution to all of these issues,” he said.
The President added the forthcoming collective bargaining agreement negotiations could be used to reach an amicable solution.
“At this point, there is no expectation that the services will be disrupted. But even without that expectation, there has been a notice by the CAB (Civil Aviation Board) to other airlines of potential slots that they will be given to replace the slots that PAL probably will not be servicing if they go on strike,” Aquino said.
Mr. Aquino said that if necessary, he would impose the open skies policy “to minimize disruptions to the riding public” caused by PAL problems.
The notice of strike was filed after FASAP failed to reach a compromise agreement with PAL management during mediation talks at the National Conciliation and Mediation Board last Aug. 9.
FASAP withdrew from the talks after PAL refused to change its policies on mandatory retirement age and on maternity and pregnancy leaves.
Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz earlier said that after a notice of strike was filed, it would take 30 days for a cooling off period to still look for a settlement.
Friday, September 10, 2010
PAL union files notice of strike
Friday, 10 September 2010 00:00
By Darwin G. Amojelar, Senior Reporter
THE MANILA TIMES
THE Flight Attendants and Stewards Association of Philippine Airlines (Fasap) on Thursday said that it has filed a notice of strike before the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to protest the airline management’s gender and salary discrimination.
“We have exhausted the negotiating process, and after countless mediation hearings, PAL remains unmoved and refuses to negotiate in good faith,” Robert Anduiza, the president of Fasap, said.
Anduiza cited issues and reasons why they decided to go on strike such as the refusal of PAL management to bargain in good faith and age, gender and salary increase discrimination.
The labor union president said that they intend to go on strike by end of October.
Despite numerous promises and formal commitments during the preventive mediation hearings at DOLE to address the retirement age and economic issues in the collective bargaining agreement (CBA), PAL has failed and refused to do so, according to Anduiza.
He said that the P80 million one-time economic package proposal of PAL was not enough for its 1,600 members.
Anduiza said that they were asking the flag-carrier to increase the economic package to P250 million. The union’s CBA expired in July 2007.
For 2007 and 2008, PAL gave pay increases to members of the management, the pilots and other ground personnel, except for the flight attendants.
Anduiza said that for cabin crew flying domestic routes, the monthly salary is P30,000 including allowances. For international flights, attendants are earning between P52,000 and P60,000 a month including allowances.
He accused PAL of age and gender discrimination.
He wants to extend the retirement age to 60 from the current 40.
PAL flight attendants also are being penalized for being mothers.
Anduiza projected that PAL is likely to incur a loss between P40 million and P60 million if they go on strike.
PAL airs side
In a statement, PAL said that the notice of strike filed by its cabin crew union is ill-timed since it would scare away tourists and cause further damage to the flag- carrier’s fragile finances.
It assured its passengers that airline operations remain normal and all flights are operating as scheduled.
“There is no immediate work stoppage due to the union’s filing of a strike notice. It signals a legal process by which the two parties, with guidance from the labor department, would find ways of striking a balance between what the union wants and what management can afford and is prepared to give,” PAL spokesman Cielo Villaluna said.
An actual strike does not happen overnight and could take several weeks or even months.
Villaluna said that Fasap’s claims that they are overworked and underpaid are without factual basis.
“PAL’s cabin attendants receive an average gross monthly salary ranging from P30,000 to 80,000. They also enjoy enviable rest periods,” she added.
The spokesman also refuted accusations of age and gender discrimination.
Jimmy Bautista, PAL president and chief operating officer, said that they are standing firm on their agreement with Fasap and that they have not committed any illegal acts.
with report from Jomar Canlas
By Darwin G. Amojelar, Senior Reporter
THE MANILA TIMES
THE Flight Attendants and Stewards Association of Philippine Airlines (Fasap) on Thursday said that it has filed a notice of strike before the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to protest the airline management’s gender and salary discrimination.
“We have exhausted the negotiating process, and after countless mediation hearings, PAL remains unmoved and refuses to negotiate in good faith,” Robert Anduiza, the president of Fasap, said.
Anduiza cited issues and reasons why they decided to go on strike such as the refusal of PAL management to bargain in good faith and age, gender and salary increase discrimination.
The labor union president said that they intend to go on strike by end of October.
Despite numerous promises and formal commitments during the preventive mediation hearings at DOLE to address the retirement age and economic issues in the collective bargaining agreement (CBA), PAL has failed and refused to do so, according to Anduiza.
He said that the P80 million one-time economic package proposal of PAL was not enough for its 1,600 members.
Anduiza said that they were asking the flag-carrier to increase the economic package to P250 million. The union’s CBA expired in July 2007.
For 2007 and 2008, PAL gave pay increases to members of the management, the pilots and other ground personnel, except for the flight attendants.
Anduiza said that for cabin crew flying domestic routes, the monthly salary is P30,000 including allowances. For international flights, attendants are earning between P52,000 and P60,000 a month including allowances.
He accused PAL of age and gender discrimination.
He wants to extend the retirement age to 60 from the current 40.
PAL flight attendants also are being penalized for being mothers.
Anduiza projected that PAL is likely to incur a loss between P40 million and P60 million if they go on strike.
PAL airs side
In a statement, PAL said that the notice of strike filed by its cabin crew union is ill-timed since it would scare away tourists and cause further damage to the flag- carrier’s fragile finances.
It assured its passengers that airline operations remain normal and all flights are operating as scheduled.
“There is no immediate work stoppage due to the union’s filing of a strike notice. It signals a legal process by which the two parties, with guidance from the labor department, would find ways of striking a balance between what the union wants and what management can afford and is prepared to give,” PAL spokesman Cielo Villaluna said.
An actual strike does not happen overnight and could take several weeks or even months.
Villaluna said that Fasap’s claims that they are overworked and underpaid are without factual basis.
“PAL’s cabin attendants receive an average gross monthly salary ranging from P30,000 to 80,000. They also enjoy enviable rest periods,” she added.
The spokesman also refuted accusations of age and gender discrimination.
Jimmy Bautista, PAL president and chief operating officer, said that they are standing firm on their agreement with Fasap and that they have not committed any illegal acts.
with report from Jomar Canlas
Aquino allays public fears caused by possible PAL strike
(philstar.com) Updated September 10, 2010 08:17 PM
MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - President Benigno Aquino III today assured that a possible strike by the Flight Attendants and Stewards Association of the Philippines (FASAP), one of the labor unions of the Philippine Airlines, will not cause disruption of services in the airline industry.
Aquino, in an interview, allayed fears caused by FASAP's filing of a notice of strike.
He said Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz is appealing to FASAP not to go on strike.
"I appeal both sides (PAL management and labor) to go to the bargaining table with the end in view of achieving that agreement, " he said.
He said Baldoz will issue a return to work order if FASAP goes on strike, on the ground that they belong to an industry that is " imbued with national interest."
Aquino said he has ordered Transportation Secretary Jose de Jesus and Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. to prepare a contingency measure in case PAL would be crippled by a strike by FASAP.
He said the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines has given a notice to other airlines of the potential slots that they will be given to replace the slots that PAL will not be servicing in case of a strike.
He said he has also ordered the fast tracking of the review on the possible implementation of an open skies policy.
IIf it is necessary, we will do it to minimize disruption to riding public ... At the end of the day, I guarantee you, we will not sacrifice the public interest and if I am to choose between PAL and the Filipino people, I think the choice is obvious. So I have to remind them of that," he added.
MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - President Benigno Aquino III today assured that a possible strike by the Flight Attendants and Stewards Association of the Philippines (FASAP), one of the labor unions of the Philippine Airlines, will not cause disruption of services in the airline industry.
Aquino, in an interview, allayed fears caused by FASAP's filing of a notice of strike.
He said Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz is appealing to FASAP not to go on strike.
"I appeal both sides (PAL management and labor) to go to the bargaining table with the end in view of achieving that agreement, " he said.
He said Baldoz will issue a return to work order if FASAP goes on strike, on the ground that they belong to an industry that is " imbued with national interest."
Aquino said he has ordered Transportation Secretary Jose de Jesus and Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. to prepare a contingency measure in case PAL would be crippled by a strike by FASAP.
He said the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines has given a notice to other airlines of the potential slots that they will be given to replace the slots that PAL will not be servicing in case of a strike.
He said he has also ordered the fast tracking of the review on the possible implementation of an open skies policy.
IIf it is necessary, we will do it to minimize disruption to riding public ... At the end of the day, I guarantee you, we will not sacrifice the public interest and if I am to choose between PAL and the Filipino people, I think the choice is obvious. So I have to remind them of that," he added.
PAL may be spooked by strike during Halloween
by Jeremiah F. de Guzman and Vito Barcelo
September 10, 2010
ManilaStandardToday
THE union of flight attendants and stewards in Philippine Airlines filed a notice of strike on Thursday, adding to the woes of the national flag carrier, which is grappling with flight cancellations from Hong Kong and China and mounting losses.
A spokesman for the airline, Cielo Villaluna, said the strike notice was ill-timed as it would scare away tourists who were already wary of traveling to the Philippines in the wake of the Aug. 23 hostage-taking in Manila, in which eight Chinese nationals were killed.
Hong Kong issued a black travel warning as a result of the killings, which followed a botch rescue attempt by Manila police, and urged all residents to avoid travel to the Philippines.
Just this week, Philippine Airlines reduced the number of flights to Hong Kong as the cancellations mounted.
“A strike threat doesn’t help in efforts to lure back tourists to the country,” Villaluna said.
The airline’s stewards and flight attendants said they will launch a series of strikes by the end of October or early in November.
The law says the parties in a labor dispute must go through a two- to four-week cooling-off period after the filing of a strike notice, during which the Labor secretary may continue to mediate.
The union said the airline could lose up to P60 million a day once its members struck.
“[The union] is definitely going on strike,” group president Bob Anduiza said.
“We have exhausted the negotiating process and after the countless mediation hearings, PAL remains unmoved and refuses to negotiate in good faith.”
Villaluna said airline operations remained normal and all flights were operating as scheduled.
“There is no immediate work stoppage due to the union’s filing of a strike notice,” she said.
The talks between the airline and the union collapsed last month after the management refused to discuss a labor demand to reconsider a policy compelling those female workers hired after 2000 to retire at 40, and those who stared working for it after 1996 to retire at 45.
The 1,600-member union is disputing that policy, accusing the management of gender discrimination.
More than three-fourths of the union’s members work abroad, and only 350 are serving domestic routes.
“We are saddened by the union’s decision, but we recognize their right to file a notice of strike,” Villaluna said.
“Management is willing to sit down again with [the union’s] leaders to discuss and settle any pending issues in the 2007-2010 collective bargaining agreement.”
Villaluna said union claims that they were overworked and underpaid were without basis.
“PAL’s cabin attendants receive an average gross monthly salary ranging from P30,000 to P80,000. They also enjoy enviable rest periods,” she said.
She also denied accusations of age and gender discrimination, saying the union leaders had agreed to earlier retirement clauses in exchange for financial benefits.
September 10, 2010
ManilaStandardToday
THE union of flight attendants and stewards in Philippine Airlines filed a notice of strike on Thursday, adding to the woes of the national flag carrier, which is grappling with flight cancellations from Hong Kong and China and mounting losses.
A spokesman for the airline, Cielo Villaluna, said the strike notice was ill-timed as it would scare away tourists who were already wary of traveling to the Philippines in the wake of the Aug. 23 hostage-taking in Manila, in which eight Chinese nationals were killed.
Hong Kong issued a black travel warning as a result of the killings, which followed a botch rescue attempt by Manila police, and urged all residents to avoid travel to the Philippines.
Just this week, Philippine Airlines reduced the number of flights to Hong Kong as the cancellations mounted.
“A strike threat doesn’t help in efforts to lure back tourists to the country,” Villaluna said.
The airline’s stewards and flight attendants said they will launch a series of strikes by the end of October or early in November.
The law says the parties in a labor dispute must go through a two- to four-week cooling-off period after the filing of a strike notice, during which the Labor secretary may continue to mediate.
The union said the airline could lose up to P60 million a day once its members struck.
“[The union] is definitely going on strike,” group president Bob Anduiza said.
“We have exhausted the negotiating process and after the countless mediation hearings, PAL remains unmoved and refuses to negotiate in good faith.”
Villaluna said airline operations remained normal and all flights were operating as scheduled.
“There is no immediate work stoppage due to the union’s filing of a strike notice,” she said.
The talks between the airline and the union collapsed last month after the management refused to discuss a labor demand to reconsider a policy compelling those female workers hired after 2000 to retire at 40, and those who stared working for it after 1996 to retire at 45.
The 1,600-member union is disputing that policy, accusing the management of gender discrimination.
More than three-fourths of the union’s members work abroad, and only 350 are serving domestic routes.
“We are saddened by the union’s decision, but we recognize their right to file a notice of strike,” Villaluna said.
“Management is willing to sit down again with [the union’s] leaders to discuss and settle any pending issues in the 2007-2010 collective bargaining agreement.”
Villaluna said union claims that they were overworked and underpaid were without basis.
“PAL’s cabin attendants receive an average gross monthly salary ranging from P30,000 to P80,000. They also enjoy enviable rest periods,” she said.
She also denied accusations of age and gender discrimination, saying the union leaders had agreed to earlier retirement clauses in exchange for financial benefits.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
PAL: No Flight Interruption Amid Notice of Strike
September 9, 2010, 4:57pm
Manila Bulletin
Manila Philippines – Philippine Airlines (PAL) Thursday ascertained its operations will continue amidst the decision of the Flight Attendants and Stewards Association of the Philippines (FASAP) to file a notice of strike before the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE).
“I assure the public there will be no flight interruptions within the next 30 days,” PAL president Jaime Bautista told Manila Bulletin in a telephone interview.
He stressed that negotiations for the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is not altogether closed, saying that “we’re still open for discussions.”
In a statement, PAL said the notice of strike filed by its cabin crew union is ill-timed as it would scare tourists and cause further damage to the flag carrier’s fragile finances.
PAL also assured its passengers that airline operations remain normal and all flights are operating as scheduled.
“There is no immediate work stoppage due to the union’s filing of a strike notice. It only commences a legal process by which the two parties, with guidance from the labor department, would find ways of striking a balance between what the union wants and what management can afford and is prepared to give,” PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said.
Meanwhile, a FASAP official said the union was also still willing to continue CBA negotiations if the company shows “some proof of good faith.”
“We are willing to withdraw our notice of strike, if the management will just show some proof of good faith,” FASAP president Bob Anduiza said.
“We understand PAL’s finances. We don’t want PAL to close down. But we can’t let the abuse to go on. The management can easily grant our demands,” he said.
Under the law, parties are given a 30-day cooling-off period after the filing of a notice of strike during which the labor secretary will exert all efforts at mediation to effect a voluntary settlement. Since PAL is a public utility imbued with public interest, the labor secretary may take jurisdiction over the dispute and issue a return to work order to prevent any work stoppage.
“We are saddened by the union’s decision, but we recognize their right to file a notice of strike,” Villaluna said. She added that the union’s move is untimely especially in the wake of thousands of Hong Kong and Chinese tourists cancelling their PAL forward bookings in the aftermath of the bungled rescue operations last August 23. “A strike threat doesn’t help in efforts to lure back tourists to the country.”
“The PAL management is ready and willing to sit down again with FASAP leaders to discuss and settle the issues that have prevented both parties from finalizing a new collective bargaining agreement for the years 2007 to 2010,” she added.
Villaluna said FASAP’s claims that they are overworked and underpaid are without factual basis. “PAL domestic and international cabin crews, as well as pursers receive a gross pay ranging from P30,000 to P80,000 per month. They also enjoy enviable rest periods.”
She also refuted accusations of age and gender discrimination. “The early retirement age was a negotiated agreement that FASAP union leaders signed not once but twice. They likewise complain about the alleged inequity of early retirement provisions when in fact older generation FASAP members, including the union leaders themselves, have been receiving and enjoying financial benefits in exchange for the younger retirement age of their colleagues,” Villaluna said.
On FASAP’s claim that PAL discourages pregnancy among its female cabin attendants, Villaluna said there were at least 65 female cabin attendants that went on maternity leave last year. “All of them received maternity benefits in accordance with the Labor Code and the CBA. PAL even advanced P30,000 in SSS benefits before they gave birth,” she said.
She added that pregnant cabin crew – upon diagnosis by PAL physicians that they are on the family way – are prevented from taking flight assignments to protect both mother and child. “The first trimester of pregnancy is critical for the child’s brain development. Hence, the thin air environment while in flight exposes the fetus to possible congenital abnormalities.”
The fact that pregnant cabin crews are not paid from the time they have exhausted their vacation leave credits until they give birth is consistent with the “no work, no pay” principle which applies even to ground personnel, Villaluna said. (Samuel P. Medenilla)
Manila Bulletin
Manila Philippines – Philippine Airlines (PAL) Thursday ascertained its operations will continue amidst the decision of the Flight Attendants and Stewards Association of the Philippines (FASAP) to file a notice of strike before the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE).
“I assure the public there will be no flight interruptions within the next 30 days,” PAL president Jaime Bautista told Manila Bulletin in a telephone interview.
He stressed that negotiations for the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is not altogether closed, saying that “we’re still open for discussions.”
In a statement, PAL said the notice of strike filed by its cabin crew union is ill-timed as it would scare tourists and cause further damage to the flag carrier’s fragile finances.
PAL also assured its passengers that airline operations remain normal and all flights are operating as scheduled.
“There is no immediate work stoppage due to the union’s filing of a strike notice. It only commences a legal process by which the two parties, with guidance from the labor department, would find ways of striking a balance between what the union wants and what management can afford and is prepared to give,” PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said.
Meanwhile, a FASAP official said the union was also still willing to continue CBA negotiations if the company shows “some proof of good faith.”
“We are willing to withdraw our notice of strike, if the management will just show some proof of good faith,” FASAP president Bob Anduiza said.
“We understand PAL’s finances. We don’t want PAL to close down. But we can’t let the abuse to go on. The management can easily grant our demands,” he said.
Under the law, parties are given a 30-day cooling-off period after the filing of a notice of strike during which the labor secretary will exert all efforts at mediation to effect a voluntary settlement. Since PAL is a public utility imbued with public interest, the labor secretary may take jurisdiction over the dispute and issue a return to work order to prevent any work stoppage.
“We are saddened by the union’s decision, but we recognize their right to file a notice of strike,” Villaluna said. She added that the union’s move is untimely especially in the wake of thousands of Hong Kong and Chinese tourists cancelling their PAL forward bookings in the aftermath of the bungled rescue operations last August 23. “A strike threat doesn’t help in efforts to lure back tourists to the country.”
“The PAL management is ready and willing to sit down again with FASAP leaders to discuss and settle the issues that have prevented both parties from finalizing a new collective bargaining agreement for the years 2007 to 2010,” she added.
Villaluna said FASAP’s claims that they are overworked and underpaid are without factual basis. “PAL domestic and international cabin crews, as well as pursers receive a gross pay ranging from P30,000 to P80,000 per month. They also enjoy enviable rest periods.”
She also refuted accusations of age and gender discrimination. “The early retirement age was a negotiated agreement that FASAP union leaders signed not once but twice. They likewise complain about the alleged inequity of early retirement provisions when in fact older generation FASAP members, including the union leaders themselves, have been receiving and enjoying financial benefits in exchange for the younger retirement age of their colleagues,” Villaluna said.
On FASAP’s claim that PAL discourages pregnancy among its female cabin attendants, Villaluna said there were at least 65 female cabin attendants that went on maternity leave last year. “All of them received maternity benefits in accordance with the Labor Code and the CBA. PAL even advanced P30,000 in SSS benefits before they gave birth,” she said.
She added that pregnant cabin crew – upon diagnosis by PAL physicians that they are on the family way – are prevented from taking flight assignments to protect both mother and child. “The first trimester of pregnancy is critical for the child’s brain development. Hence, the thin air environment while in flight exposes the fetus to possible congenital abnormalities.”
The fact that pregnant cabin crews are not paid from the time they have exhausted their vacation leave credits until they give birth is consistent with the “no work, no pay” principle which applies even to ground personnel, Villaluna said. (Samuel P. Medenilla)
PAL: No Flight Interruption Amid Notice of Strike
September 9, 2010, 4:57pm
Manila Bulletin
Manila Philippines – Philippine Airlines (PAL) Thursday ascertained its operations will continue amidst the decision of the Flight Attendants and Stewards Association of the Philippines (FASAP) to file a notice of strike before the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE).
“I assure the public there will be no flight interruptions within the next 30 days,” PAL president Jaime Bautista told Manila Bulletin in a telephone interview.
He stressed that negotiations for the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is not altogether closed, saying that “we’re still open for discussions.”
In a statement, PAL said the notice of strike filed by its cabin crew union is ill-timed as it would scare tourists and cause further damage to the flag carrier’s fragile finances.
PAL also assured its passengers that airline operations remain normal and all flights are operating as scheduled.
“There is no immediate work stoppage due to the union’s filing of a strike notice. It only commences a legal process by which the two parties, with guidance from the labor department, would find ways of striking a balance between what the union wants and what management can afford and is prepared to give,” PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said.
Meanwhile, a FASAP official said the union was also still willing to continue CBA negotiations if the company shows “some proof of good faith.”
“We are willing to withdraw our notice of strike, if the management will just show some proof of good faith,” FASAP president Bob Anduiza said.
“We understand PAL’s finances. We don’t want PAL to close down. But we can’t let the abuse to go on. The management can easily grant our demands,” he said.
Under the law, parties are given a 30-day cooling-off period after the filing of a notice of strike during which the labor secretary will exert all efforts at mediation to effect a voluntary settlement. Since PAL is a public utility imbued with public interest, the labor secretary may take jurisdiction over the dispute and issue a return to work order to prevent any work stoppage.
“We are saddened by the union’s decision, but we recognize their right to file a notice of strike,” Villaluna said. She added that the union’s move is untimely especially in the wake of thousands of Hong Kong and Chinese tourists cancelling their PAL forward bookings in the aftermath of the bungled rescue operations last August 23. “A strike threat doesn’t help in efforts to lure back tourists to the country.”
“The PAL management is ready and willing to sit down again with FASAP leaders to discuss and settle the issues that have prevented both parties from finalizing a new collective bargaining agreement for the years 2007 to 2010,” she added.
Villaluna said FASAP’s claims that they are overworked and underpaid are without factual basis. “PAL domestic and international cabin crews, as well as pursers receive a gross pay ranging from P30,000 to P80,000 per month. They also enjoy enviable rest periods.”
She also refuted accusations of age and gender discrimination. “The early retirement age was a negotiated agreement that FASAP union leaders signed not once but twice. They likewise complain about the alleged inequity of early retirement provisions when in fact older generation FASAP members, including the union leaders themselves, have been receiving and enjoying financial benefits in exchange for the younger retirement age of their colleagues,” Villaluna said.
On FASAP’s claim that PAL discourages pregnancy among its female cabin attendants, Villaluna said there were at least 65 female cabin attendants that went on maternity leave last year. “All of them received maternity benefits in accordance with the Labor Code and the CBA. PAL even advanced P30,000 in SSS benefits before they gave birth,” she said.
She added that pregnant cabin crew – upon diagnosis by PAL physicians that they are on the family way – are prevented from taking flight assignments to protect both mother and child. “The first trimester of pregnancy is critical for the child’s brain development. Hence, the thin air environment while in flight exposes the fetus to possible congenital abnormalities.”
The fact that pregnant cabin crews are not paid from the time they have exhausted their vacation leave credits until they give birth is consistent with the “no work, no pay” principle which applies even to ground personnel, Villaluna said. (Samuel P. Medenilla)
Manila Bulletin
Manila Philippines – Philippine Airlines (PAL) Thursday ascertained its operations will continue amidst the decision of the Flight Attendants and Stewards Association of the Philippines (FASAP) to file a notice of strike before the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE).
“I assure the public there will be no flight interruptions within the next 30 days,” PAL president Jaime Bautista told Manila Bulletin in a telephone interview.
He stressed that negotiations for the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is not altogether closed, saying that “we’re still open for discussions.”
In a statement, PAL said the notice of strike filed by its cabin crew union is ill-timed as it would scare tourists and cause further damage to the flag carrier’s fragile finances.
PAL also assured its passengers that airline operations remain normal and all flights are operating as scheduled.
“There is no immediate work stoppage due to the union’s filing of a strike notice. It only commences a legal process by which the two parties, with guidance from the labor department, would find ways of striking a balance between what the union wants and what management can afford and is prepared to give,” PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said.
Meanwhile, a FASAP official said the union was also still willing to continue CBA negotiations if the company shows “some proof of good faith.”
“We are willing to withdraw our notice of strike, if the management will just show some proof of good faith,” FASAP president Bob Anduiza said.
“We understand PAL’s finances. We don’t want PAL to close down. But we can’t let the abuse to go on. The management can easily grant our demands,” he said.
Under the law, parties are given a 30-day cooling-off period after the filing of a notice of strike during which the labor secretary will exert all efforts at mediation to effect a voluntary settlement. Since PAL is a public utility imbued with public interest, the labor secretary may take jurisdiction over the dispute and issue a return to work order to prevent any work stoppage.
“We are saddened by the union’s decision, but we recognize their right to file a notice of strike,” Villaluna said. She added that the union’s move is untimely especially in the wake of thousands of Hong Kong and Chinese tourists cancelling their PAL forward bookings in the aftermath of the bungled rescue operations last August 23. “A strike threat doesn’t help in efforts to lure back tourists to the country.”
“The PAL management is ready and willing to sit down again with FASAP leaders to discuss and settle the issues that have prevented both parties from finalizing a new collective bargaining agreement for the years 2007 to 2010,” she added.
Villaluna said FASAP’s claims that they are overworked and underpaid are without factual basis. “PAL domestic and international cabin crews, as well as pursers receive a gross pay ranging from P30,000 to P80,000 per month. They also enjoy enviable rest periods.”
She also refuted accusations of age and gender discrimination. “The early retirement age was a negotiated agreement that FASAP union leaders signed not once but twice. They likewise complain about the alleged inequity of early retirement provisions when in fact older generation FASAP members, including the union leaders themselves, have been receiving and enjoying financial benefits in exchange for the younger retirement age of their colleagues,” Villaluna said.
On FASAP’s claim that PAL discourages pregnancy among its female cabin attendants, Villaluna said there were at least 65 female cabin attendants that went on maternity leave last year. “All of them received maternity benefits in accordance with the Labor Code and the CBA. PAL even advanced P30,000 in SSS benefits before they gave birth,” she said.
She added that pregnant cabin crew – upon diagnosis by PAL physicians that they are on the family way – are prevented from taking flight assignments to protect both mother and child. “The first trimester of pregnancy is critical for the child’s brain development. Hence, the thin air environment while in flight exposes the fetus to possible congenital abnormalities.”
The fact that pregnant cabin crews are not paid from the time they have exhausted their vacation leave credits until they give birth is consistent with the “no work, no pay” principle which applies even to ground personnel, Villaluna said. (Samuel P. Medenilla)
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