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In May 1947, PAL opened a route to Europe. By 1952, the international route network covered two-thirds Of the wool, and the government became the majority stockholder. At present, PAL uses the most advance technology in the local airline industry. Technical centers were constructed to perform ground handling for other airlines and contract work for the states and Philippine Military services. Computerized reservations systems link most PAL sales outlets: 1 03 in the Philippines and 56 worldwide. The PAL Data Center at the Manila Domestic Airport is the core of the most extensive computer system in the Philippines today.
A massive reflecting program was introduced to be able to cope with the standards of the industry. Indeed, this program paved the way for the problems they are facing right now. Closure Philippine Airlines (PAL) is facing its worst crisis. Foremost in the company’s mind is how can it possibly overcome problems created by the economic turmoil that has been bagging the Asian region since July 1997- a situation few quarters were able to predict. What do they do in times of decreasing demand for air travel, poor revenues, increasing operational cost, and when reedit to cover financial obligations is almost non-existent?
The main reason why PAL suffered financial problems was because of the massive reflecting modernization program, which was funded through loans made from local and international creditors. It has reached a point where it can no longer keep up with its obligations. Then, the labor unrest come into force because of the need to downsize manpower as a solution to its financial problems. The pilots rejected a scheme to retire 200 colleagues using a provision in their CAB which would not give them enough monetary benefit hat will compensate their year of service with the company.
The ground employees protested the manner by which the management implemented a retrenchment program on their ranks as a result of the 22-day pilots strike. The downsizing was a bitter pill to swallow. Chain of Events Prior to the Closure June 1998 The 620 PAL pilots went on strike paralyzing PAL’S operations. 1 ,800 ground employees were retrenched. July 1 998 Philippine Air Lines Employee Association (PALE) went on strike to demand the reinstatement of the retrenched members who they claimed were dismissed by violating their CAB provisions.
September 1998 Lucia Tan gave out a proposal to PALE officers, the acceptance of which will ensure the survival of PAL. PALE officers accepted the proposal. Members of PALE rejected the proposal and demanded a retraction from the officers. Officers retracted on a condition that a referendum is held on the proposals. Referendum under the sponsorship of DOLE was held. “NO” votes prevailed. Closure becomes reality. Management side (Interview) The closure was done because the company is on the brink of ban corrupt. It was due to the unforeseen economic crisis.
There is no problem with the management and labor. The management then gave a proposal to avoid the closure of the company. Labor side (source from Newspapers) They are afraid that the management can easily fire them without the CAB. They are also worried about the recognition Of the labor union even if the CAB is suspended. Another referendum was made and the YES” votes prevailed which means that they agreed to the proposal of Mr.. Lucia Tan maybe because of limited options they have. REACTION (Written by a PAL employee) The upheavals in PAL can best described as “Bad Luck”.
After 57 years in existence, who would have say that management expertise is lacking, maybe inappropriate to the call of the times but never lacking. The labor unions have enjoyed the rights since day one of their foundation but again due to the call of the times, they have just ask for more. Each one has its own reasons for being so the collapse of the enterprise come to fore and closure was inevitable. The Yes or No vote. Both are evil but we chose the lesser evil- Why Yes? 1 . Yes means reopening of the airline, a must for national interest as well as individual worker’s interest.
The industry is vital to national trade and ours. Its absence could slow down the Philippine economy further. While it’s true that there maybe other airlines, PAL has the edge in facilities, human resources, and worldwide recognition. 2. The suspension of CAB can still be questioned in court for its legality and can be pursued by the union. 3. There are labor laws to protect the workers. Effects of the Closure in the Economy The economy then was in recession so the people did not consider air travel. Many PAL workers went home jobless. GNP drops because of low productivity.
Business opportunities were cancelled or delayed due to lack of Air Transportation. Re-opening Pal opened its door when all the problems were partially solved. Owner Lucia Tan infused capital to the wingless airline, which was not enough for its continued survival. Selling of some assets were considered to pay creditors. It lessened flight destinations to be able to lower operation cost. A possible management turnover might happen for the survival. Rehabilitation Plan The plan was mainly to infuse capital to PAL airlines. Possible investors were invited for the infusion of the capital.