GOVERNMENT workers yesterday expressed their disappointment over Executive Order (EO) No. 64 issued by President Marcos Jr. last Friday which increased the salaries of government workers and authorized the grant of additional allowance.
In a statement, the Public Services Labor Independent Confederation (PSLINK) said they are dismayed over the meager salary increases provided by EO 64.
“We are disappointed and frustrated that the salary increases, especially for rank-and-file government employees, are too small and inadequate,” said PSLINK President Annie Enriquez-Geron.
She noted that the recent P35 daily minimum wage hike for private sector workers in the National Capital Region (NCR), which is equivalent to P770 per month, is bigger than the salary increases for government workers.
“The planned salary increases this year for government workers receiving Salary Grades 1 to 7 ranges from P530 to P745 per month only,” Geron said.
Additionally, the labor leader lamented how contractual workers and job orders are excluded from the wage adjustments.
“He could have taken this opportunity through the EO to increase salaries for all workers in the public sector. Instead, he chose to exclude job orders, contract of service,” said Geron, adding the move excludes nearly one million contractual workers in the public sector.
“This means almost 900,000 government workers, who are mostly paid substandard wages and have no job security and social protection, will not receive any salary increase at all,” said Geron.
The PSLINK urged the President to amend EO 64 or certify as urgent the passage of a fair Salary Standardization Law that is anchored on living wage and pay equity.
“We call on the President to heed the demands of government workers for a fair salary standardization scheme that provides for living wages, and addresses the wage disparity between national and local government employees, and between rank and file and managerial positions,” said Geron.
Last week, Marcos issued an EO granting a four-tranche salary increase and a medical allowance to government workers.
PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS
The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) – Region I is set to conduct a review of the minimum wage rate in the Ilocos Region.
The Ilocos Region wage board has set the first in a series of public consultations in Pangasinan.
In a public notice, the Ilocos Region wage board announced the public consultation on August 13 at 1 p.m. at the Emerald Hall of CSI Stadia in Barangay Lucao, Dagupan City.
“This public consultation aims to gather feedback from various stakeholders, including employees, employers, and the kasambahays, to ensure that wage adjustments are equitable and beneficial for all,” said the RTWPB-Region I.
It said stakeholders are encouraged to participate and share their views and suggestions on the proposed wage adjustments, as well as understand how the changes may affect their businesses.
The Region I wage board said it will also provide an opportunity to engage with policymakers and other stakeholders and contribute to the development of fair and sustainable wage policies.
The last wage order issued in the Ilocos Region took effect in November 2023.
Wage Order No. RB 1-22 granted a pay increase ranging from P30 to P35 and brought the minimum wage rate in the Ilocos Region between P402 to P435.
