AWARE of the adverse reactions of labor groups, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) yesterday reminded them that the P35 increase in the daily minimum wage rate granted by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB)-National Capital Region (NCR) can still be appealed until July 11.
In a phone interview, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said existing guidelines allow filing appeals for wage orders before the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC).
“Under existing guidelines, anybody can still appeal the wage order before the NWPC,” said Laguesma. “The appeal can be filed within 10 days from publication of the wage order, or until July 11.”
The wage order takes effect on July 17.
Laguesma also said even employers can file an appeal against Wage Order No. NCR-25.
“Any individual or organization, whether labor or employer, who feels aggrieved can file (an appeal),” said Laguesma.
Last Monday, the NCR Wage Board approved a P35 increase in the daily minimum wage rate of private sector workers in Metro Manila.
The approval will lead to wage adjustments from P610 to P645 for the non-agriculture sector and from P573 to P608 for the agriculture sector, service and retail establishments employing 15 or fewer workers and manufacturing establishments regularly employing fewer than 10 workers.
In response, workers slammed the NCR Wage Order, describing the P35 minimum wage hike as a “heartless disregard” for the workers’ need for a decent living wage.
The workers said the P35 increase “does not even amount to measly change.”
SONA PROTESTS
The labor sector intends to express its displeasure during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Marcos Jr. on July 22.
In a statement yesterday, Tuesday, the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) said the demand for a family living wage standard would be the workers’ banner call during their protest actions.
“In the forthcoming 3rd SONA of President Marcos Jr., let us focus our attention on the faulty wage policy of the government,” said KMU.
“We call on workers to come together and form their unions, workers’ associations, and other workers’ groups to strengthen their capacity to fight for their rights,” it added.
The labor sector, including the KMU, has been pushing for the passage of the P150 legislated wage hike in Congress.
ESCUDERO SPEAKS
Senate President Francis Escudero yesterday slammed the P35 daily minimum wage hike, saying the amount is not enough to be considered a “living wage” due to the rising inflation rate.
“The Senate has passed a P100 across the board (legislated) wage increase which should be the minimum increase. I believe it is still not enough to provide what the constitution requires — a ‘living wage’ and not mere ‘minimum wage,’” Escudero said in a statement.
Escudero wondered why the RTWPB, since its creation, had always approved meager salary hikes, making him believe its members are living in communities where goods and services are very affordable.
“It is very clear that the wage increase cannot satisfy the needs of our countrymen amid the rising inflation rate. The Senate will continue to fight and stand for the principle and belief that a small amount of decrease in businessmen’s earnings will not turn them bankrupt, but would rather be a big help to our workers” he said.
Senate president pro tempore Jinggoy Estrada said the P35 wage increase is “not just timely but (also) essential” since it can somehow help workers cope with the rising inflation rate.
Estrada, who steered the passage of Senate Bill No. 2534, a measure pushing for a legislated P100 increase in the daily minimum wage of workers in the private sector, said the amount is small and it would have been “more satisfactory if the existing wage rate is given a legislated wage hike.
“While this increase is a positive development, we must continue to strive for comprehensive measures that will further protect and uplift the lives of our workers.
Ensuring wages keep pace with the cost of living and inflation is fundamental to promoting economic stability and social equity,” Estrada said.
“But for the meantime, this adjustment will provide much-needed relief to our workers and their families, ensuring they have a better chance at maintaining a decent standard of living,” he added.
Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, who has also batted for a P100 daily legislated wage increase nationwide, said the P35 wage increase is an “insult” to workers as it is “grossly insufficient” to meet the rising costs of products and services.
He said the RTWPB should have approved higher amounts not only in the National Capital Region but in all regions as well since basic goods cost almost the same nationwide.
“This is not right and this is not enough, period,” he said.
He said the wage boards should have taken the cue from past Senate hearings on the P100 legislated daily minimum wage increase since it is clear that workers at least need a P100 daily wage increase.
Zubiri said the inflation rate grew to 3.9 percent last May, which indicates the costs of commodities will continue to rise.
Zubiri had earlier asked President Marcos Jr. to support the legislated P100 daily minimum wage hike bill still pending in the House of Representatives. — With Raymond Africa
