THE Federation of Free Workers (FFW) yesterday expressed support to the proposal of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for employees to be given non-wage benefits but stressed they must not replace salary adjustments.
In a statement, FFW said it agrees with Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma that non-wage benefits must be considered by employers if they intend to help the struggling workers.
“We are calling on the government to prioritize the welfare of workers by providing them with non-wage benefits,” the FFW said but stressed that non-wage benefits must not replace wage hikes.
“FFW is proposing that the government provide workers with non-wage benefits, pending an increase in minimum wage,” the labor group said.
It said non-wage benefits may include health and housing assistance, as well as transportation subsidies.
“These will help alleviate their financial burden and improve their quality of life,” the FFW said.
Labor groups had earlier revived calls for salary adjustments due to soaring inflation rate, which hit 8.7 percent last January.
