Flight Attendants' & Stewards' Association of the Philippines Wins Labor Dispute Against Philippine Airlines

Strategic Insights -

The Philippine Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz has ruled in favor of the Flight Attendants' & Stewards' Association of the Philippines (FASAP) and its 1,600 members, correcting the discriminatory compulsory retirement age from 55, 45, and 40 years old to 60 years old for both male and female flight attendants. This decision has been met with celebration from FASAP and its president, Bob Anduiza, who sees this as a historic victory not just for the flight attendants but for all Filipino workers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz ruled in favor of FASAP, correcting the discriminatory compulsory retirement age from 55, 45, and 40 years old to 60 years old for both male and female flight attendants.
  • The decision was made after FASAP president Bob Anduiza rallied his flight attendants and led them to fight the discrimination issue of the CBA dispute this year, citing efforts to forge an amicable contract that ended in a deadlock on the issue of age and gender discrimination.
  • FASAP was able to support its position on the economic aspect of the dispute, citing PAL's recent financial statements showing the company's recent financial recovery and profitability.
  • The Department of Labor and Employment increased the offer of PAL from P105 million to around P200 million, after ruling to grant reasonable wage increases.
  • The DOLE also increased the rice allowance to Php1,800 per member, as cited by FASAP.
  • The ruling ensures Filipinos workers of equal opportunity, especially for women, as FASAP's president Bob Anduiza said, "This is a triumph not just for PAL flight attendants. The DOLE ruling ensures Filipinos workers of equal opportunity, especially for women."
  • FASAP president Bob Anduiza appealed to PAL's management to accept the ruling and start healing the bruises and wounds from this labor dispute.

Statistics:

  • 1,600 members of the Flight Attendants' & Stewards' Association of the Philippines (FASAP) were affected by the discriminatory compulsory retirement age.
  • The Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz ruled in favor of FASAP, correcting the discriminatory compulsory retirement age from 55, 45, and 40 years old to 60 years old for both male and female flight attendants.
  • PAL's offer of P105 million was increased by the DOLE to around P200 million, after ruling to grant reasonable wage increases.
  • The rice allowance was increased to Php1,800 per member.

Sources:

  • Department of Labor and Employment
  • Philippine News Agency (PNA)
  • Flight Attendants' & Stewards' Association of the Philippines (FASAP)