PAL assures normal operations, submits counter proposal

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Airlines (PAL) assured yesterday contingency measures are in place to keep the airline flying even if some employees push through with their planned strike.

PAL gave the assurance after submitting to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) a proposed salary increase for members of the PAL Employees Association (PALEA).

Cielo Villaluna, PAL spokesperson, said all flights will continue as scheduled while all ticket offices and other sales and airport facilities in Metro Manila, the provinces and stations abroad will maintain regular business operations.

“Our interline airline-partners as well as augmentation forces from management are on standby to ensure that our operations are not disrupted in case PALEA members walk out,” Villaluna said while noting that ground workers represent only a fraction of PAL’s 7,000-strong workforce.

At the same time, Villaluna reported that PAL already submitted to the DOLE’s National Conciliation and Mediation Board a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) counter-proposal consisting of salary increases for the first three years.

“PAL management fulfilled its commitment to submit today a counter-proposal, proof of management’s sincerity and willingness to open negotiations with PALEA,” said Jose S.L. Uybarreta, PAL vice president for human resources.

“The amounts of P750 for the first year, P1,500 for the second year and another P1,500 for the third year – are what management believes the company can afford at this time, given the string of massive losses suffered by PAL since 2008,” he said.

Last Friday, Malacañang upheld a previous DOLE decision allowing PAL’s planned spin-off of three non-core units.