'Jobless' PAL ground crew to continue protests, plan family day

Although they are now considered jobless, the ground crew affected by flag carrier Philippine Airlines' spinoff of three non-core businesses vowed to continue their protests near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). On Sunday, the PAL Employees' Association said affected workers and their families were to continue their camp-out outside PAL's In-Flight Center near the NAIA Terminal 2. “Instead of going to the mall, eating out or just relaxing at home, PALEA members’ spend their first Sunday as 'officially jobless' with their spouses and children at the protest camp," PALEA president Gerry Rivera said. He said PALEA is also to hold a family day Sunday, where Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo is to lead an afternoon Mass at the protest camp. On Saturday, PALEA members in Cebu set up their own protest camp outside the Mactan International Airport in Lapu-Lapu City. “Protest is also a family affair. PALEA’s fight for regular jobs is for the future of its members’ families," said Nerissa Andolong-Puno, wife of a PAL employee. Rivera also noted just days after PALEA’s protest last Sept. 27, Qantas ground crew in Australia went on strike over grievances that include lack of job security. Family day Among the activities lined up for PALEA’s family day are:

• art and crafts workshops for children so they can express their understanding of their parents’ fight against retrenchment and contractualization
• 5 p.m. Mass at the protest camp
• 6 p.m. regular candle lighting protest