THE Nagkaisa Labor Coalition (NAGKAISA) yesterday slammed the glaring discrepancy in the minimum wage rates between the National Capital Region (NCR) and the provinces.
In a statement, NAGKAISA said the recent wage orders showed there is a widening disparity between the minimum wage rate of workers in Metro Manila and the other regions.
“The wage system established 35 years ago has bolstered discrimination and not served the best interests of workers in the provinces. Instead, it has perpetuated a cycle of inequality and discrimination, leaving provincial workers struggling to survive on wages that do not reflect the true cost of living,” NAGKAISA head Sonny Matula said.
“We cannot continue to ignore the fact that workers in the provinces are being paid far less than those in Metro Manila for the same work. The rates still leave provincial workers earning significantly less than their counterparts in Metro Manila,” he added.
Matula pointed out that Metro Manila workers receive a minimum wage of P608 to P645, while those in the Ilocos Region have a floor wage of P435 to P468.
He also noted how the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has the lowest minimum wage rate in the country at P316 to P361.
“The disparities are glaring when compared to the NCR, making it increasingly difficult for provincial workers to keep up with rising living costs,” said the labor leader.
“The current wage system, through the RTWPBs, has entrenched inequality and discrimination against provincial workers,” added Matula.
The labor coalition called on the Marcos administration to consider reviving the national minimum wage system.
It was back in 1989 when the Philippines last had a national minimum wage rate.
“A national minimum wage increase is the solution, creating a more uniform wage structure across the nation to ensure fair pay for all workers, regardless of their location,” he said.
“It’s time to correct this injustice through national legislation that enforces a fair and decent wage for all Filipino workers,” Matula added.
