FASAP men still willing to work with PAL

MANILA, Philippines - After what they call a “historic victory,” the Flight Attendants and Stewards Association of the Philippines (FASAP) yesterday expressed willingness to work with the Philippine Airlines (PAL) management to make the flag carrier more competitive.

The Department of Labor and Employment last Thursday night ruled to raise the retirement age of flight attendants to 60 years, granting the petition of FASAP.

“We extend our hand of reconciliation to the PAL management so we can take this opportunity to work together and face the tough competition in the airline industry,” FASAP said in a statement.

FASAP said the DOLE’s ruling was “a historic victory” not only for flight attendants in the country but for the entire labor force.

“This is a historic victory not just for FASAP and the flight attendants. DOLE’s decision sets a clear and strong message to employers in the country to respect the rights of workers regardless of age and gender,” FASAP said.

In a 21-page decision issued late Thursday night, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz also granted the petition of FASAP for salary increase staggered over three years, and for maternity leaves to be credited in the computation of the length of service upon filing for retirement.

Baldoz expressed confidence that the decision would resolve the issues involving gender and discrimination raised by the FASAP when they filed a notice of strike before the DOLE’s National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) last month against PAL.

PAL, for its part, said it will comment on the recent ruling of the DOLE on the PAL-FASAP issue only after its lawyers have received and reviewed the official copy of the ruling.

“PAL lawyers will study the decision and determine the legal options available to the airline,” PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said.

“Only after the decision has been thoroughly reviewed and studied by our lawyers will the airline announce the next step it will take on this issue,” she added.