PAL crisis

[sharkey360]

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Conrado de Quiros is the columnist behind that opinion article

[sharkey360]

With about two weeks left before the 30-day cool-off period lapses, only two "sticky" issues remain to be tackled in attempts to prevent a strike from crippling flag carrier Philippine Airlines.

PAL claimed on Friday the Flight Attendants and Stewards Association of the Philippines (FASAP) had "agreed in principle" to pregnancy-related benefits.

"Two sticky issues on retirement and compensations are still up for discussion," PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said in an interview on dwIZ radio.

She said PAL management had proposed to raise the mandatory retirement age for flight attendants to 45 from 40, but this was way below FASAP's proposal of 60.

Villaluna said PAL management expects to discuss the matter with FASAP in the next hearing of the Labor Department this coming week.

"On the side of PAL, management's proposal of 40 to 45 [mandatory retirement age] is still, as we both know, way below the retirement age proposal of 60," she said.

But she said both sides had "agreed in principle" with regards to pregnancy-related benefits.

"We will thresh out the details in the next hearing. At least on this respect, the talks between management and the union are progressing," she said in Filipino.

Asked if PAL management will make attractive offers on compensation package and mandatory retirement in the next hearing, Villaluna declined to give comments.

"I would like to use prudence in responding to that. Abangan natin ang next round (Let us just wait for the next round of talks). We do not want to preempt the outcome of the continuous conferences," she said.

On the other hand, Villaluna acknowledged the 30-day cooling-off period will end on October 9.

FASAP filed a notice of strike last September 9. The Labor Department had supervised hearings between the two sides last September 13, 17, and 22, she said.

Far form over

But in a statement last Thursday, the FASAP said the row is far from over, and that PAL must "adapt to the times and correct the discriminatory retirement policies against its flight attendants."

"The proposals of PAL to increase the rice allowance of flight attendants to equalize the amounts to what all other PAL employees are receiving are not yet firm offers. It is being made contingent to the other major issues," it added in the statement posted on its website.

FASAP scored PAL management for insisting on its "unreasonable and discriminatory retirement age limits."

"Despite mounting pressure coming from the public, PAL still refuses to explain why it wants to retire the flight attendants at 40 or 45 years old," it said.

FASAP noted Cathay Pacific's retirement age has increased from 45 to 55 years old.

Thai Airways, according to sources at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the retirement age is 60 years old, it added.

In most developed countries in the US and Europe, the retirement age of flight attendants range from 60-70 years old because these countries frown upon any form of discrimination in the workplace, it added.

"As Asia's first airline and the Philippine's flag carrier, PAL should adapt to the times and correct the discriminatory age limits for its flight attendants," it said.

The next hearing at the DOLE is on September 28.

FASAP accused PAL of "playing hard-ball, especially on the retirement age," despite the Labor Department's efforts to resolve the issue.

PAL retirement, pay issues with flight attendants still unresolved - Nation - GMANews.TV - Official Website of GMA News and Public Affairs - Latest Philippine News

[sharkey360]

PAL hikes offer to cabin crew

LUCIO C. Tan-led Philippine Airlines (PAL) management has “agreed in principle” to expand maternity benefits of its flight attendants and stewards but both sides remained “deadlocked” on the issue of compensation and changes in the retirement age of crew members.

In a statement, PAL spokeswoman Ma. Cielo C. Villaluna said that on top of the original P80-million offer for a new collective bargaining agreement, the flag carrier agreed to a P25-million increase in their rice allowance for the period 2007 to 2010.

This brings to P105-million the total economic package offered to Flight Attendants’ and Stewards’ Association of the Philippines (FASAP).

However, Ms. Villaluna said the expanded benefits and allowances are part of a package, and the approval is contingent on the signing by the company and FASAP of “a final agreement that puts to rest all economic, gender and retirement issues under discussion.”

"The offers were made in good faith, proof that PAL is sincere in its efforts to settle and finally put closure to its 2005-2010 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with FASAP," she said.

She added: “Despite significant strides during Wednesday's five-hour PAL-FASAP talks, sticky points remain such as the compensation package and changes in the retirement age of crew members.”

Ms. Villaluna said the airline could only offer P105 million after suffering huge losses in the last two years, “but it appears that the union wants much more than what PAL is capable of giving.”

BusinessWorld Online Edition: PAL hikes offer to cabin crew

[Tirong-say]

Flight stewardees are not there for modelling and look really nice,
they are there to serve the passenger's need during the journey,
I think the older the better, it requires a lot of skill to deal with
a variety of people on board.
I think 60 years old as the retirement age sounds very fair enough
and is advantageous for both parties.

[RMK711]

good for both sides? pag xur oie.. kung moimplement ang PAL ani, patay najud sila. lupig naman gali sila sa korean air, singapore airlines og cathay pacific saon nalang kung puro tigulang ilang FA. kung di ganahan ang management ani, naay maayo nga rason.

[sharkey360]

Still no resolution for both sides as of this hour...

[kamber11]

paet sad,i have my auntie working here before but she already retired last year, murag dako jud toh iyang nadawat nag migrate man dayon sa US karon...

[Tirong-say]

good for both sides? pag xur oie.. kung moimplement ang PAL ani, patay najud sila. lupig naman gali sila sa korean air, singapore airlines og cathay pacific saon nalang kung puro tigulang ilang FA. kung di ganahan ang management ani, naay maayo nga rason.

I'm quite sure if it calls for fairness......

[RMK711]

I'm quite sure if it calls for fairness......

dili ni fair sa management.. kay nisamut ka lisod ang ilang kompetensya. way gamit nang retirement age nga 60.. kai siguro ko dili na kaabot ang PAL ana kung mopatuyang jud ni sila. OK ra unta kung ang CX, SG og KA mapugos pud og hire og mga tigulang...

[masakiton]

c lucio tan murag wala na gana sa PAL...
murag ang airphil na iya gi promote