Press Release
December 24, 2010

Pia lauds DOLE ruling on PAL flight attendants row

Senator Pia S. Cayetano today welcomed the decision issued by Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz to resolve the three-month-old assumption of jurisdiction (AJ) case involving the Flight Attendants and Stewardesses Association of the Philippines (FASAP) and the Philippine Airlines (PAL) management.

Cayetano, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth, Women and Family Relations, has been supporting the flight attendants' campaign to rectify gender-biased labor policies at the country's flag carrier.

"I laud the DOLE ruling favoring the FASAP in their demand to end gender discrimination and push for gender-sensitive benefits, including pregnancy and maternity leave benefits," said the senator, a staunch women's rights advocate who pushed for the passage of the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710) in the 14th Congress.

In a 21-page decision, Baldoz ruled to set the compulsory retirement age for both male and female FASAP members at 60 years old. The ruling likewise resolved disputes over maternity and pregnancy leave benefits, wage increases and other economic issues.

"The ruling is just and reasonable. Even though it is a belated acknowledgment of gender rights, it is still a welcome Christmas gift, especially for the women flight attendants who for years have had to endure discrimination at the country's flag carrier."

"This breakthrough will be added to the long and rich struggle of women for equal rights and opportunities."

She concluded: "I am hopeful that the management would seriously consider acceding to the DOLE decision to bring an end to this segment of brewing labor disputes at PAL."

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