PALEA’s STRUGGLE is against the plan of the management of Philippine Airlines to terminate 2,600 regular employees and then be rehired by service providers (Sky Logistics, Sky Kitchen and SPi Global) as probationary (contractual) workers. As contractuals, they will be receiving less than half of their current salaries and will lose all the benefits enjoyed by a regular PAL employee.

THEY WERE DEPRIVED OF JUSTICE when President Noynoy Aquino affirmed the Department of Labor’s (DOLE) decision to recognize PAL’s plan as a management prerogative. Despite the fact that PAL earned a total comprehensive income of  US$ 72.5 MILLION (net income of US$65.5 Million plus other income) for the fiscal year which ended on March 31, 2011. Converted to Philippine Pesos, PAL’s income amounted to MORE THAN PhP 3 BILLION. PALEA decided to bring the case in the Court of Appeals (CA).

 SEPTEMBER 27 was the day when PALEA members decided to hold a protest action inside the airport to show its resistance on the illegal termination and implementation of the outsourcing scheme, PALEA’s message on the said protest was to put the outsourcing plan on hold while waiting for the CA decision.  On that day, the management accused them of holding an illegal strike, cancelled their job codes and announced to the public that all PAL flights were cancelled.  PAL’s response to the protest action only proved that they are ones responsible why a lot of passengers were  stranded. PALEA members were dragged out of the airport by force and some were injured because of that incident.

 THE PALEA PROTEST CAMP located in front of PAL In Flight Center near NAIA 1 and 2 is a manifestation of the continuing plight of the employees.  The camp is an expression of the resistance to PAL’s outsourcing and contractualization scheme and the illegal mass termination. The camp has also become the place were different sectors of the society, cause-oriented groups, and including the people from the religious sector shows their solidarity to PALEA.

 HARRASMENT AND DIRTY TACTICS were being employed by PAL management to discourage PALEA from fighting for their rights. At around 5:45 am on October 29, some 40 hired goons of PAL attacked the PALEA protest camp while women and children were still sleeping. Armed with long sticks and stones, the goons destroyed tents in half of the camp and injured seven PALEA members in the violent daybreak attack.

3 Reasons why PALEA’s Plight is OUR FIGHT

1. Supporting PALEA’s plight means supporting our dreams to have a better future. If PALEA is going to lose from this battle, regular and secured jobs will be thrown in the dustbin of history. It means the green light for other companies to retrench regular employees and hire workers as contractuals without limitation and restriction previously imposed by law. PAL’s outsourcing scheme will serve as the business model for capitalists to copy.

2. Because as students, we were taught not to become greedy. PAL’s scheme and the contractualization policy as a whole is a manifestation of “corporate greed”.  This policy is aimed  at grabbing more profit by sacrificing the workers and the people’s  right to live decently.

3. Youth as the heirs of this society must act and not just watch while our future is crumbling before our eyes. It is our responsibility to make sure that the future awaiting for the next generation will be a society that will really serve for the common good.

5 Things we can do to support PALEA’s plight and our future

1. After reading this flyer, pass it to your classmates and other students, you are also free to reproduce this flyer and distribute massively.

2. Talk to your friend and relatives and explain PALEA’s plight (especially those who frequently travel via plane). Ask them to BOYCOTT PAL and Air Philippines until the labor dispute is finally resolved.

3. Organize a forum or a round table discussion about PALEA’s plight and contractualization. You are free to invite resource persons such as representatives from PALEA and some support groups.

4. Visit the PALEA PROTEST CAMP located in front of the PAL In Flight Center along MIA Road, Pasay City or organize an immersion activity with your classmates or group mates. You are also free to bring some goods like food and others you and your group can donate for the camp.

5. Like the FB page I STAND WITH PALEA and tweet I Support #PALEA. You are also free to make a fan photo expressing your support to the cause and send it to us.

PALEA is the last line of our defense against contractual employment and for job security, LET THIS FIGHT BE ALSO OUR FIGHT.  A fight that will ensure a better future for all young student and workers.

Samahang Demokratiko ng Kabataan (SDK)

 

Email: sdk.info@gmail.com

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