Press Release
October 10, 2011

ESTRADA CALLS FOR RESTRAINT IN PAL-PALEA DISPUTE

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, Chairman of the Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development and of the Congressional Oversight Committee on Labor and Employment (COCLE) expressed concern on the ongoing labor dispute between the country's national flag carrier, the Philippine Airlines (PAL) and the PAL Employees Association (PALEA).

Senator Estrada called on both PAL and PALEA to exercise sobriety and utmost restraint in their conduct pending the resolution of PALEA's petition before the appellate court.

"Inasmuch as the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Office of the President (OP) have upheld the validity of PAL's outsourcing program and that there is a pending petition filed by PALEA before the Court of Appeals to annul and set aside the DOLE and OP's resolutions/decisions, both parties should await the resolution of the petition and avoid actions which would aggravate the situation," Senator Estrada said.

As of today, there are reports that members of PALEA continue to occupy the flag carrier's in-flight center. Senator Estrada issued an appeal to the PALEA leadership and its members to rethink their position and allow the unhampered entry and exit of the service providers to avoid disruption and delay in the efficient and smooth operation of the airline.

"While we recognize the rights of PALEA, we should not lose sight of our primary goal which is to ensure the safety and convenience of the riding public," Senator Estrada added.

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