THE conciliation meeting between Philippine Airlines (PAL) and its ground crew union at the Department of Labor and Employment failed on Monday.
At the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), members of the Philippine Airlines Employees Association (PALEA) insisted that the notice of strike they filed on Friday had basis. PAL, on the other hand, questioned its factual and legal basis, saying the union should state clearly its specific allegations against the airline that warrants the filing of a strike notice.
PALEA’s notice of strike is premised on PAL management’s alleged coercion of union members to accept a separation package arising from plans to outsource three non-core units — inflight catering services; airport services, including ground handling, cargo terminal/cargo handling and ramp handling; and call center reservations. The restructuring would affect 2,600 employees.
PALEA noted individual bargaining constitutes interference to the right to self-organization.
The NCMB will resume talks with PALEA and PAL management tomorrow (November 11).
