Ten years after more than a thousand of their members were retrenched, flight attendants sacked by Philippine Airlines (PAL) in 1998 were more than surprised to finally get justice.
The Supreme Court’s 32-page decision issued Tuesday found PAL guilty of illegal dismissal and ordered the flag-carrier to reinstate around 1,400 cabin crew, and to pay them full back wages, inclusive of allowances and other monetary benefits.
“Definitely [we're] vindicated because we've been consistent, the position of the union was steady, with regard to rights and guidelines," said Roberto Anduiza, president of the Flight Attendants and Stewards Association of the Philippines (FASAP).
“Although matagal - they say justice delayed is justice denied - but it's justice just the same for us,” he said.
The group said it is now in the process of contacting all 1,400 former PAL cabin crew to ask them whether they would still want a reinstatement or just the back wages.
Anduiza said many are still fit to work. Majority, however, are now working elsewhere or have left the country.
“I think majority would want to be paid and move on with their lives, because it's been 10 years and some of them have moved on though they want closure,” Anduiza said.
PAL management admited the decision might have an impact on the company's financial situation, thus a legal team is now studying the decision and considering some legal steps.
“We're sure our lawyers will file a motion for reconsideration,” PAL president Jaime Bautista said.
FASAP, meanwhile, said it is not surprised since they already expected this.
“We're expecting delaying tactics from influential people but the best scenario is to talk to us first,” Anduiza said.
He, however, said that FASAP members are ready to fight until the end since they are confident that the Supreme Court will no longer change its decision. Zen Hernandez, ABS-CBN News