NCMB backs FASAP’s sub-minimum wage claim?

MANILA, Philippines – Flight attendants of flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) are receiving 30% less than the minimum wage, computations from an expert from the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) shows.

The result of the computation, which was presented during the failed meeting on Tuesday, show 1 of the sticking points that has forced the members of the Flight Attendants’ and Stewards’ Association of the Philippines (FASAP) to issue anew strike threats.

Flight attendants have allegedly been receiving a basic monthly salary of P8,605, below the minimum wage, since 2004. The minimum wage then was at P300 or P9,125 monthly.

Today, the minimum wage stands at P404 or P12,288.33 monthly.

Based on the minutes of the meeting obtained by abs-cbnNEWS.com, the NCMB arrived at the computation based “on the prevailing minimum wage in the previous years covering 2000 to 2010, using the 365 factor as indicated in the PAL’s [collective bargaining agreement].”

In a phone interview, FASAP Vice president Andy Ortega said “the figures clearly show that the basic salary are way below the basic minimum wage…It is clear on our part that the [current salary from PAL] is a clear violation.”

Mediation meetings bogged down on Tuesday, forcing the 1,600-strong FASAP to declare a strike. Members said they would no longer engage in talks with the management of PAL.

‘Take home pay is already high’

In an interview with radio dzMM, PAL President and Chief Operating Officer Jaime Bautista said “they’re insisting that their basic pay is too small. Their take-home pay, in fact, is already heftier than other competitors.”

Including allowances and productivity-based pays, a newly-hired flight attendant takes home about P30,000 to P40,000 a month, he said.

He said the company has even asked for advise from a Department of Labor and Employment-attached agency with regard to the matter.

“We asked for an opinion from the [Bureau of Working Conditions]. They said the issue needs to be resolved between the management and the union,” he said.

The agency also supposedly said that the minimum wage should not be an issue under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) if flight attendants are already receiving hefty pays.

Assumption of jurisdiction in the offing?

Bautista said he hopes that the controversy would still be settled among themselves, considering its effects on the economy as a whole.

An official of PAL was earlier quoted saying that the management has already asked the DOLE to intervene.

This means PAL already wants the Labor Secretary, or the President himself, to issue an “assumption of jurisdiction” order, a source said.

This is the last remaining option to avert a strike. If an assumption of jurisdiction order is issued, the labor secretary automatically directs the striking workers to go back to work.

In the meantime, Bautista said the management is now preparing emergency measures to protect the riding public.

Nonetheless, there is still a long process that needs to be observed before the flight attendants can go on strike. They still need a strike vote, he said.

Bautista claimed some flight attendants are wary of joining the strike.

Ortega, however, said these are just claims from the management. There will be a secrecy of the ballot when the strike vote begins, he said.

Another meeting on Tuesday

In another phone interview, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said there is no need yet for government to assume jurisdiction.

Another meeting is scheduled on Tuesday, October 5, she said.

She said the strike claims of the union are mere “posturing.”

Nonetheless, there are indications that both parties are willing to submit to the jurisdiction of the government.

“Sa ngayon, wala pa [need to assume jurisdiction]. A strike vote is still needed to be submitted,” she said. –Ira Pedrasa, abs-cbnNEWS.com