By Gerard Anthony M. Naval
Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz yesterday staging a strike is the call of the Philippine Airlines Employees Association (PALEA) but members should be ready for the consequences of defying her no-strike, no-lockout order issued on Friday.
"What we provided through the order is a peaceful and orderly way of settling their dispute and also our way of protecting the interest of the riding public, which should be the concern of all," Baldoz said.
In her order, Baldoz cited national interest in sending the case to the National Labor Relations Commission for compulsory arbitration.
Last Saturday, PALEA president Gerry Rivera said the union was determined to stage a strike against the flag carrier in defiance of Baldoz’ order.
An illegal strike is ground for dismissal. Strikers are also criminally liable for violation of the Labor Code.
The union voted to strike two weeks ago after President Aquino upheld a DOLE ruling that PAL is well within its right to outsource three non-core operating units.
Outsourcing will lead to the dismissal of 2,600 worker who, however, have been assured of employment without diminution of benefits by a service provider contracted by PAL.
The workers were also assured of a benefit package worth P2.5 billion.
Deputy presidential spokesman Abigail Valte said PALEA is well within its right to take its case to the International Labor Organization.
"Karapatan naman nila iyon (to take it to ILO), but again sa atin po we hope na ma-resolve na, kahit mukhang nagkakagirian iyung dalawang grupo doon sa issue. Sana po magkaroon pa rin ng magandang resolusyon kapag nag-undergo na sila ng compulsory mediation ng National Conciliation and Mediation Board," she said.
She also reminded PALEA not to proceed with its planned strike after the case has been sent to the mediation board.
"Naglabas na ng certification order si (Labor) Secretary (Rosalinda) Baldoz na hindi pupwedeng mag-strike kapag na-submit for compulsory mediation ang isang kaso. Pwedeng maging illegal iyung strike nila kapag pilit nilang gawin iyun," she added.
PALEA said it is planning to file a case against the government before the ILO for suppressing its members’ right to self-organization and collective bargaining agreement.
PALEA said it would use DOLE’s order barring the union from going on strike as evidence. – With Jocelyn Montemayor
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