By Katherine Evangelista
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 12:03:00 04/30/2010
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Airlines guaranteed uninterrupted service ahead of the elections on May 10.
PAL issued the statement after the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) barred the airlines’ management and the Philippine Airlines Employees Association (Palea) from taking action that could disrupt the airlines’ service.
DoLE released the order on April 23 with Labor Secretary Marianito Roque calling on PAL management and the union against “committing any act that might exacerbate the situation.”
PAL management and union officials are scheduled to meet this Friday to settle their disagreement on the spin-off or restructuring program of the flag carrier.
But following the order of DoLE, PAL management announced that its scheduled spin-off and restructuring programs would be put on hold and asked the union not to engage in any mass action, work slowdown/stoppage or go on strike.
The airline downplayed speculations of a possible strike and service interruption, saying that these are unfounded since the labor department has stepped in.
PAL assured the Commission on Elections that the shipment of all election-related materials and paraphernalia to various provinces would be given top priority on all PAL flights.
Likewise, PAL said all its domestic and international flights would go according to published schedules and all PAL offices and facilities here and abroad, including all accredited travel agents, would continue to serve travelers.
