MANILA -- Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is facing more labor issues from its employees after the PAL Employees Association (Palea) said they will hold a strike if the airline pushes through with the decision to outsource 2,600 workers.
Palea president Bong Palad told reporters that PAL's claims that they are under a problematic financial situation is just "drama" to have an excuse for contractualization of its workers.
“Ganito na po ba ang gobyerno ngayon? pag sinabi ni mr. Tan na lugi maniniwala tayo na lugi?” remarked Palad referring to PAL owner Lucio Tan.
The planned outsourcing would result in the layoff of 2,600 employees from baggage handling, ticketing, servicing, among others, enough to paralyze the airline operations if the strike will push trough.
The Palea union is set to meet with Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz on August 12 to discuss the previous decision released by then DOLE office-in-charge Romeo Lagman who issued the order legalizing contractualization. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)