PAL urges peaceful, immediate end to CAAP labor unrest

FLAG carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has called for peaceful and immediate resolution to the brewing labor unrest among members of the employees union of the country’s Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.

Members of the CAAP labor union are peacefully protesting the recent suspension of their salary increases and bonuses, specifically for technical staff. Streamers are now up on 23 air control towers all over the country bearing the distress call “Mayday Mayday.”

“We are hoping for a swift and acceptable solution to the ongoing labor issues within the ranks of the CAAP,” said PAL president and COO Jaime Bautista in a press statement Wednesday.

“We express optimism that a resolution will be reached in due time. We are glad to note that technical personnel such as air traffic controllers continue to carry out their duties,” Bautista added.

PAL, however, warned that a long-drawn conflict between CAAP labor and management on the issue of salaries-bonuses and protest actions, albeit peaceful, will paint a negative picture of the country’s aviation industry.

“It is important to protect the Philippines’ return to Category 1 status, a reflection of the country’s compliance to international safety standards set by the ICAO or International Civil Aviation Organization. Any perception of disunity in the civil aviation sector may affect the status the country has earned,” Bautista said.