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9-Nov-2010 8:55 AM

Philippine Airlines questions legal basis of union's new strike notice

Philippine Airlines questioned (08-Nov-2010) the factual and legal basis for the notice of strike filed by the PAL Employees Association (PALEA) last week before the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). PAL stated (06-Nov-2010) it considers the notice as nothing but a union strategy to delay implementation of the flag carrier's spin-off program that had already been recognised by DOLE as a valid and legal exercise of management prerogative. During a conciliation meeting called by the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), the team from PAL Human Resources Department and PAL's external legal counsel said PALEA should state clearly its specific allegations against the airline that warrants the filing of a strike notice. The carrier also denied "directly negotiating" with individual staff member to convince them to approve the outsouring plan. The NCMB ordered to adjourn the meeting and ordered its resumption on 11-Nov-2010. PAL added it cannot be said to be terminating PALEA members. The DOLE Order will become final and executory on 09-Nov-2010 or 10 days after it was received by both parties on 29-Oct-2010. PALEA President Gerry Rivera did not attend the meeting, instead represented by two PALEA board members. PAL advised passengers a strike is "not likely to happen anytime soon as the DOLE views PAL's continued operations as imbued with national interest". PALEA has also asked Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz to resign after reaffirming the DOLE's decision to approve PAL's outsourcing plans (abs-cbnNEWS.com, 08-Nov-2010). [more - 06-Nov-2010] [more - 08-Nov-2010]

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