Business groups have appealed to government to resolve the standoff between Philippine Airlines and its fired workers.
Federation of Philippine Industries Inc. (FPI) chairman Jesus Arranza said the current problems plaguing PAL, particularly the recent blocking of one of its trucks by dismissed workers, is bad news to investors.
“We’re only asking for fair play. Government shouldn’t allow ‘tyranny of the minority’ which is currently happening at PAL. As Mayor Lim once said, ‘the law should be applied to all, or not at all,” Arranza said.
Philippine Chamber of Commerce Industry (PCCI) president Francis Chua said his group wants an immediate resolution of the dispute between PAL and its former workers, citing that industrial peace is key to success in any business.
“PCCI is definitely supporting business and industry, but we must also look at the interest of the labor sector. Labor is an indispensable element in wealth formation,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce Inc. appealed to law enforcement agencies to exert all efforts to prevent potential clashes between PAL and its former employees as the conflict is triggering anxiety among local and foreign investors.
“We’re requesting authorities to take a more direct hand in resolving the impasse before things get out of control. The recent turn of events where former PAL workers resorted to harassment and intimidation tactics at their picket line, impeded the airline’s operations,” said FFCCCI president Tan Ching.
