PAL starts spinoff info drive as union snubs dialogue

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Airlines (PAL) said yesterday they will commence a company-wide information campaign about its outsourcing program after its workers’ union rejected management’s offer for a dialogue.

In a statement, the airline management said PAL employees deserve to know the real score about Malacañang’s recent order upholding PAL’s spinoff program and how it directly affects their future.

Topics for discussion include timelines, mechanics for availing of retirement benefits, clearances and accountabilities, and application process for those who wish to transfer to PAL’s service providers. Questions will also be entertained for the enlightenment of affected workers.

“It’s unfortunate that the union rejected management’s calls for sober and professional discussions on how best to implement the spinoff plan, including the transition process. The dialogue would have helped thresh out many questions and uncertainties on their members’ minds,” said PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna.

In the next few days, several management teams will conduct town hall meetings in the three departments to be spun off, namely catering, groundhandling and call center reservations. Flyers will also be distributed to PAL workers for a better understanding of the spinoff process. The meetings are also designed to correct misinformation, baseless rumors and black propaganda circulating within the organization.

Earlier, PAL assured its workers that secure jobs are waiting for them if they decide to move to the airline’s new service providers. However, workers also have complete freedom to just avail themselves of their separation benefits and not to join PAL’s contractors.

PAL workers snub talks with management

Employees of Philippines Airlines (PAL) snubbed yesterday the scheduled dialogue with management and instead of attending the meeting staged a rally to dramatize their protest against their impending layoff.

Gerry Rivera, Philippines Airlines Employees Association (PALEA) president, said the they maintain the union’s position against the spinoff and reject any negotiations with the management.

“Despite the decision of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Malacañang, we maintain our position that PAL management cannot prematurely implement the planned spinoff and mass termination of 2,600 airline employees,” Rivera said.

Rivera said PALEA would exhaust all possible measures, including judicial resolution of the case, just to prevent the planned spinoff.

The other day, PAL management invited the employees to a dialogue so they could discuss the smooth implementation of the spinoff.

But Rivera said the union is already preparing to file before the Court of Appeals (CA) a motion seeking reconsideration of DOLE and Malacañang’s decision.

According to Rivera, they have gained the support of the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) and its affiliates in the Asia Pacific region against the PAL’s outsourcing program. –Mayen Jaymalin (The Philippine Star)