PAL dismisses ‘international support’ for ex-PAL workers

MANILA, Philippines—Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Sunday dismissed the “international support” that protesters encamped outside the airline’s Inflight Center in Pasay City have reportedly received.

“Protesters outside PAL’s facility are no longer PAL employees. They have been validly separated from the company since October 1, 2011, following lawful orders from the labor department and the Office of the President. So-called support from international labor groups will not change that fact,” the airline said in a statement.

PAL stressed that dismissed workers have already brought their case before the Philippine Court of Appeals, which now has jurisdiction over the case. “No amount of rallies, protest actions or letters of support/complaints from sympathetic groups both within and outside the country could change the fact that PAL has already spun off and outsourced its non-core businesses,” the airline said.

PAL added that foreign labor groups have no right to pass judgment or even comment on the flag carrier’s safety record as they are not privy to the airline’s operations. Besides, PAL stressed that separated workers being supported by international labor organizations are not in any way involved in ensuring the safety of PAL’s planes.

“They (separated workers) were ground employees who used to operate ground equipment, handle baggage and check-in counters. They had no role whatsoever in ensuring the safety of PAL aircraft. They’re simply trying to make themselves look important when in truth, this line of work has long been regarded by major airlines worldwide as ‘non-core’ to the business of flying commercial planes,” PAL said.