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PALEA to urge Palace to reverse ruling on spin-off


The ground crew labor union of flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) will ask Malacañang to reconsider its decision favoring the company to outsource its non-core business affecting about 2,600 workers. “We will surely file a motion for reconsideration before the Office of the President," PAL Employees Association (PALEA) national secretary Bong Palad told GMA News Online over the weekend. “Kahit umabot pa ‘yan sa Supreme Court, handa naming ipaglaban ang karapatan ng mga manggagawa ng airlines (Even if this reaches the Supreme Court, we are prepared to fight for the rights of the workers)," he continued. On Friday, PAL said it will reach out to affected workers by gradually implementing its spin-off program after Malacañang affirmed the Labor Department’s decision to let the nation’s flag carrier outsource its airport services, in-flight catering and call center reservation its ground crews. In a text message, PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said the “goal is to sit down with the union leaders and dialogue with them to ensure that this essential restructuring effort is carried out in a smooth and orderly manner." “Each of the 2,600 employees are guaranteed employment under a third party service provider," she said. “The total package is P2.75 billion since the gratuity pay was increased from P50,000 to P100,000. Funds will come from internally generated funds and lending institutions," Villaluna said. PALEA frustrated, to stage strike April 1 PALEA it was frustrated by the decision of President Benigno Aquino III, saying they have tried PNoy’s ‘tuwid na daan’[ straight and narrow path] program but the Palace led them back to Lucio Tan, who’s family and business associates controls the flag carrier. “We are very frustrated with PNoy," PALEA President Gerry Rivera said, accusing members of Aquino’s Cabinet, specifically Executive Secretary Pacquito Ochoa Jr., of conspiring with PAL’s owners. “We will push through with our strike on the first day of April," Rivera reiterated. PALEA has called on its 3,500 members to prepare for the first nationwide strike since the work stoppage in 1998 crippled the airline’s operations. “In the face of PAL’s refusal to bargain without preconditions and of PNoy’s connivance in Lucio Tan’s contractualization scheme, we are forced to go on strike so that our demand for regular jobs and a new collective bargaining agreement are heard," Rivera said . The strike ban will be lifted on April 1, seven days after PALEA notified the Department of Labor and Employment of the results of last week’s strike vote. Those who had voted to go on strike comprised 95 percent of PALEA members, higher than the 86 percent strike vote last December. “The decision [to allow outsourcing] is not a compromise but a sellout to Lucio Tan. The decision turned a blind eye to the fact that PAL is expecting $1.6 billion in profit despite oil price hikes. Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa is dreaming in a glass mansion if he thinks that PAL workers will be bought off with higher separation pay," Rivera elaborated. In preparation for the strike, PALEA and labor groups will launch a series of protest actions next week. An indignation rally will be held Monday at the Chino Roces Avenue, formerly Mendiola Street. Some 200 PALEA members and supporters will assemble at Morayta by 10 a.m. On Tuesday, a labor unity press conference will be held by different groups in Quezon City to condemn the decision of the Office of the President and express solidarity with PALEA. — With a report by Jesse Edep/MRT/VS, GMA News

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