As the lockout and termination of some 2,600 members of the Philippine Airlines Employees’ Association (PALEA) enters its second week, the embattled union announced that it will hold another big protest on Wednesday at its protest camp outside the In-Flight Center of Philippine Airlines (PAL) along MIA Road.

“The big protest on Wednesday is inspired by and in support of the Occupy Wall Street movement against corporate greed and for social justice. We call on our fellow workers, especially those who are contractuals, and all Filipinos who oppose contractualization to join the rally,” declared Gerry Rivera, PALEA president and vice chair of Partido ng Manggagawa.

PALEA’s protest against contractualization continues to generate solidarity as yesterday His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, Manila Archbishop, personally graced the general assembly of the Church-Labor Conference (CLC). Cardinal Rosales together with CLC chair Bishop Broderick Pabillo assured labor of the support of the Church in its advocacy for regular jobs and workers’ rights. (photo attached below)

The Occupy Wall Street movement started with just scores of participants but has since grown to thousands of protesters with the street occupations being replicated in many cities in the United States and even other countries. “One common thread ties protesters in New York with PALEA members—the fight for a better future for workers and their families. On Wednesday, let us show that in the Philippines, the long hands of solidarity extend across the thousands of miles to our brothers and sisters in the US and the world,” Rivera insisted.

Meanwhile today is the second family day at PALEA’s protest camp. Scores of PALEA family members are expected to attend the activities today dubbed “Palarong PALEA para sa Regular na Trabaho.” Among the parlor games will be “pukpok palayok” in which the makeshift jars to be used are marked “outsourcing” and “contractualization” and “pabitin” in which the prizes are labeled “regular jobs,” “decent wages,” “access to education,” and “affordable health care.”

Rivera added that “This is a family-friendly protest camp.” Arts workshops will also be organized so children can express their sentiments regarding their parent’s protest against contractualization at PAL. A child’s rights advocate will also give a talk on the topic to educate both parents and kids.

Press Release
October 9, 2011
PALEA