Development or low-wage economy AN OUTSIDERS VIEW Ken Fuller 08/10/2010

Development or low-wage economy

AN OUTSIDERS VIEW Ken Fuller 08/10/2010 In reality, the argument about the Philippine Airlines (PAL) pilots is about a lot more than that. After 25 pilots and first officers resigned, with the intention of taking up better-paid options with foreign airlines, PAL threatened them with administrative, civil and criminal charges for breaching their contracts. (Criminal charges? What kind of labor relations regime exists at PAL?) With flights canceled, the government stepped in, warning both pilots and airlines about the damage to the tourist industry. Even before this column gets to its main point there is more to this than meets the eye, as it is alleged that some pilots had been forced to transfer to Air Philippines, PAL’s low-cost subsidiary, at reduced wages. (What was that about breach of contract?) Some of the resigned pilots were, reportedly, directly affected by this, while others feared that before too long they would meet the same fate. Furthermore, the Manila Times reports allegations by the Flight Attendants and Stewards Association of the Philippines that, due to cutbacks, PAL flights have been understaffed during recent times.... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20100810com5.html

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