Philippine Airlines' flight attendants file complaint with Human Rights commission

Flight Attendants' and Stewards' Association of the Philippines (FASAP) filed a complaint with the country's Commission on Human Rights (CHR) against Philippine Airlines' alleged gender discrimination policies (GMANews.TV, 20-Sep-2010). CHR Chairwoman, Rosetta Rosales, stated PAL's violations are "obvious" and it will now work with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to resolve the issue. CHR stated the case is a "top priority" and a resolution will be made by the end of the month. FASAP stated the discrimination complaint covers three major points: the discriminatory retirement age, mandatory pregnancy leave and wages.

PAL stated (20-Sep-2010) the complaint filed by FASAP "smacks of 'forum-shopping'" and shows "disrespect and a disturbing lack of confidence in the ongoing mediation hearings at the Department of Labor and Employment". [more]

FASAP: "By forcing us to retire before our time PAL is depriving us of our right to gainful employment and a dignified retirement … In an industry where safety is critical, the skills and experience of senior crew members should be valued, not discarded indifferently or as a matter of policy," Company Statement. Source: GMANews.TV, 20-Sep-2010.

Philippine Airlines: "We maintain that in Philippine Airlines, no workers' rights have been trampled upon. Whatever salaries and benefits FASAP members enjoy are all contained in the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA). A CBA is a contract between two consenting parties. It is mutually agreed upon through serious deliberation and negotiation, with careful thought and aid of counsel. FASAP, as a collegial body, entered into a CBA with PAL management not once but several times in the past. It must be stressed that all previous CBAs were decided not by a few but ratified by all members of the cabin crew union," Company Statement. Source: Philippine Airlines, 20-Sep-2010.