PAL spokesperson: Business as usual despite strike vote

12/08/2010 | 09:03 AM
GMAnews.tv

Despite a strike vote by ground crew of Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Tuesday, the management reassured the public that it would be "business as usual" for the flag carrier.

Radio dzBB reported Wednesday PAL spokeswoman Cielo Villaluna as saying the management will not let the strike vote affect the airline's operations.

"We will do everything legally possible to prevent a work stoppage," Villaluna said.

However, she said the PAL management is likely to question the strike vote, maintaining it is questionable and lacks legal basis.

She added there was an "agreement in principle" last Nov. 18 between the PAL management and PAL Employees Association (PALEA) to let Malacañang review and decide on the union’s petition for presidential intervention.

"For us, the strike vote is questionable and has no legal basis. Our lawyers will question its propriety and legality," she said in Filipino.

For its part, PALEA said it expects to disclose the results of the strike vote balloting Wednesday afternoon.

PALEA president Gerry Rivera said they will report the results of the vote to the Labor Department.

"The strike vote does not necessarily mean a majority vote of yes. It does not necessarily mean we will automatically go on strike. This is just a legal requirement under our laws)," he said.

The PALEA had expected its 3,700 members to cast their votes. — LBG, GMANews.TV