THE Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) yesterday filed a wage hike petition seeking for a P400 pay adjustment in Central Luzon.
In its petition, the TUCP asked the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) — Region 3 to increase the current P420 minimum wage rate in the region.
“Recognizing the value of health, safety, and life when the epidemic struck us with sicknesses, deaths, anxiety, fear, depression, and grief, the TUCP is seeking P400 additional daily minimum wage in Central Luzon,” said TUCP.
The labor group said it is imperative for the RTWPB-Region 3 to act on the wage petition given the meager salaries currently received by workers.
“We are now demanding the wage board to do its duty to set a minimum wage that can really meet the basic needs of workers and their families in Region 3,” said TUCP.
It also noted how the last wage increase in the region was issued back in November 2019 and took effect January 2020.
“After two years and five months since Wage Order RB III-22 was issued on 27 November 2019, and made effective on 1 January 2020, the measly P20.00 increase has long dissipated,” said TUCP.
The group similarly noted how the current monthly income of Central Luzon minimum wage workers pales compared to the regional poverty threshold.
“Based on 2021 government data, P16,226.00/month is the poverty threshold for Region III, compared with the current minimum wage of only P10,920.00,” said the TUCP.
If the wage petition is granted, the minimum wage rate in Central Luzon stands to go up to P820.00
