PAL workers reject separation package

Retrenched Philippine Airlines workers on Sunday expressed their refusal to accept the separation package the PAL management has offered and vowed to continue their strike. In a report on Balitanghali Jorge dela Rosa, one of PAL's ground crew who was retrenched after the management implemented its outsourcing program, said “Kaming andito sa picket line, definitely walang tatanggap [ng separation package]… Hindi naman yun pera ang usapan dito, eh. Regular na trabaho ang gusto namin." However, PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said the management has decided to withhold the separation paychecks of some 338 members of the PAL Employees Association (PALEA) who have been on strike since Sept. 27, and that union members who have chosen to accept their separation package have been claiming their checks since Oct. 15. PAL has allotted P2.6 billion for the severance benefits of over 2,300 employees. The severance package includes 125 percent of each employee's monthly salary for every year of service; a gratuity pay of P100, 000; and additional pay for their unused leave credits. For non-cash benefits, the management is giving free airline tickets and hospitalization benefits for one year. For his part, PAL president Jaime Bautista said the separation pay the management is offering is more than what is stipulated in the collective bargaining agreement. Earlier PALEA said, PAL's decision to outsource non-core business services has rendered jobless some 2,600 ground crew. Citing financial constraints, PAL has outsourced its Airport Services, In-flight Catering and Call Center Reservations units. — Amanda Lago/LBG, GMA News