Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced on Tuesday that it will implement in March the company-wide workforce reduction program for the company’s recovery overhaul plan that has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement, PAL said the reduction program would affect about 2,300 workers or 30 percent of their workforce.
“The total includes both voluntary separations and involuntary retrenchment, and the affected personnel will continue to be employed until mid-March 2021,” said PAL.
Philippine Airlines reportedly informed its employees of the retrenchment program as early as October 2020.
Before this, PAL implemented several programs to prevent job losses such as flexible working arrangements during the severe pandemic in the airline industry.
“This has been an extremely difficult and painful decision. For our colleagues who are leaving, rest assured that we are committed to support you through this transition. We extend to you our deepest gratitude for your years of hard work and dedicated service, and we will always cherish the ties you have established with the PAL family,” said PAL president Gilbert Sta. Maria.
Although the number of travelers is slowly increasing, Philippine Airlines says their situation is still far away before the pandemic hits.
Philippine Airlines to lay off 2,300 employees starting March
PAL, on the other hand, assured that their service will continue and the reduction of staff will not affect their future service.
“PAL will continue to gradually increase international and domestic flights as demand recovers,” it said.
“In addition to regular scheduled services, the flag carrier continues to mount special repatriation flights to help bring home stranded Filipinos from the Middle East, Europe, North America, and all over Asia,” it added.
Meanwhile, a flight attendant who was affected by the mass lay off Philippine Airlines shared the tough decision she had to make.
Ashly Arellano Himor described the situation as both “difficult” and “heartbreaking.”
“Leaving behind 2P by choosing to voluntarily resign was painful because I truly loved flying the skies, no matter how difficult it was sometimes. What made it more difficult was saying goodbye to new found friends who eventually became family,” she wrote.
“Although I’m still heartbroken that I had to say goodbye to being an FA, it’s also time to welcome the many great things that are waiting for us in the future. So, when you encounter an ending in your story, remember to face it, accept it, and know that it marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life.#PALaban ✈
❤,” she further wrote.