Philippine Congress Takes Interest In PAL Employee Lay-Offs
Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines (AHN) – The Philippine Congress has taken an interest in the Philippine Airlines labor row after Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz allowed the flag carrier to lay off 2,600 workers.
The House Labor and Employment Committee will set a hearing in the coming days to probe the alleged anti-labor practices of PAL. The hearing would consolidate seven bills and resolutions with the committee, according to Rep. Emil Ong, who chairs the committee.
However, Ong admitted that Congress has no power to reverse Baldoz’s decision. The labor secretary ruled it is lawful for the air carrier to lay off the 2,600 workers and outsource the tasks the employees perform to cut on costs.
On Tuesday, President Benigno Aquino III – who just returned from a five-day state visit in Vietnam – said he would review the PAL decision of Baldoz, but would respect any decision made by the Court of Appeals. The PAL Employees Association said they would elevate Baldoz’s ruling with the Court of Appeals.
On the same day, workers to be affected by the layoff held a rally at the Mendiola Bridge, which is near the president’s office, to protest the DOLE decision.
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