PAL issues SOS to trade groups amid ‘harassment’

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) cried yesterday for help among local trade groups to press the government for a quicker and more decisive response against what it calls as harassment of private enterprises after the continued picket of its former employees at the Terminal 2 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

In a statement, PAL said it is calling on business groups such as the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (PCCI), Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI), Employers Confederation of the Philippines (Ecop), the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCI) and others to collectively appeal for better protection of businesses which are being prevented from freely pursuing their trade.

PAL said it is in the best interest of all private businesses, big or small, to protect themselves against harassment like illegal blockades by former workers who have been validly and legally dismissed.

“The recent incident where PAL’s catering truck was blocked by protesting former workers armed with truncheons and planks with nails is one clear example of this kind of harassment seemingly tolerated by police authorities,” the airline stressed.

PAL expressed frustration that it has complained and sought the help of almost all relevant government agencies “to no avail.” Todate, it said the airline continues to suffer since its service providers and cabin crew are unable to use PAL’s facility along MIA Road, Pasay City where laid off workers have set up camp.

“Continuing police inaction against all forms of harassment perpetrated by dismissed workers only served to embolden these illegal occupants of PAL’s property,” it stressed.

Worse, the airline said it is now even at the receiving end of baseless and malicious accusations by these workers that it engaged outside elements to disperse their camp.

Leftist sectoral representatives have also been directly accusing PAL of harassing former workers while turning a blind eye on their documented transgressions. PAL added that it is being threatened with another congressional probe with no clear legislative intent and with only the plain objective of embarrassing PAL resource persons in attendance.

PAL said the other day it was also lamentable that police authorities “were nowhere to be found” when its truck was being blocked by protesters, but conveniently “arrested” someone who claims to have been hired by PAL management to “disperse” its former employees’ camp. “Worse, authorities were reportedly unable to apprehend those responsible for the death of a hapless bystander,” PAL said.

As to the stench allegedly emanating from its Inflight Center, PAL said protesting former PAL workers have only themselves to blame. “They won’t allow our trucks to leave the facility; even a garbage truck from Pasay City’s waste management office was prevented by protesters from picking up garbage unless these were brought to the IFC gate. And now they complain that the area stinks? Let them have a dose of their own medicine,” PAL stressed.

On PAL’s alleged refusal to provide protesting former workers with free tickets, it said: “PAL reserves the right to refuse conveyance to those who make false and malicious claims that the airline is unsafe and whose ultimate goal is to bring down the company.” –Daily Tribune