Talks between Philippine Airlines and union break down again
Philippine Airlines and the Flights Attendants and Stewards Association of the Philippines (FASAP) failed to reach an agreement at Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) brokered talks on 05-Oct-2010 (AFP, 05-Oct-2010/The Manila Times, 06-Oct-2010). The union stated it will go ahead with plans to launch strike action at the end of the month as a result. PAL stated (05-Oct-2010) stated it would submit the case for arbitration to DOLE. FASAP posed no objection to PAL's manifestation but both parties agreed that any intervention by the labour secretary would be "through an assumption of jurisdiction". With an assumption order, parties are enjoined from performing any act that will exacerbate the situation such as a strike or lockout. Issues for arbitration include the economic package, retirement age (anchored on mixed-crew complement) and pregnancy-related issues. PAL also commented that any work stoppage aimed at paralysing PAL's operations will have negative effects not just on the airline's finances but also on the country's domestic and international trade and tourism image. [more]
PAL also denied (02-Oct-2010) claims its flight attendants are overworked and underpaid, stating they are well paid and receive some of the best benefits that "are the envy" of other Filipino workers. According to the carrier, FASAP has not been forthright in informing the public of the real salaries and benefits that the PAL cabin crew receives. The gross monthly pay of PAL cabin crew ranges from PHP33,000-75,000, inclusive of productivity pay and other allowances. The carrier stressed that while this salary range may be modest compared to the payscale of giant carriers abroad, this is no small amount by Philippine standards. [more]
Flights Attendants and Stewards Association of the Philippines: "We will not give in. We are continuing our plans to strike … While PAL is trying to make itself look reasonable by supposedly offering a financial package, the truth is it is being made contingent on discriminatory policies on retirement," Bob Anduiza, President. Source: AFP, 05-Oct-2010/The Manila Times, 06-Oct-2010.
Philippine Airlines: "FASAP claims their basic pay is below the government set minimum wage, but this is just a portion of their salary. The truth is they receive much, much more ... All this time FASAP has been presenting to the public and the government a picture that is totally opposite reality. FASAP is free to show proof if the wages and benefits we have just revealed are not true," Cielo Villaluna, Spokesperson. Source: Philippine Airlines, 02-Oct-2010.