Rama, Garcia laud wage increase

CEBU, Philippines - Mayor Michael Rama said yesterday that the P22 wage increase for minimum wage earners in Central Visayas may not answer the demand of laborers, but it is better than nothing at all.

He commended the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) for approving the increase, which he believes will help alleviate the plight of those who earn a minimum wage daily.

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia also believes the P22 wage increase is fair, considering that the decision passed through proper consultation and took into consideration all stakeholders involved including the side of the management.

“I believe such an amount increased is a fair enough amount that should help our minimum wage earners,” Garcia said.

Last Thursday, the wage board approved the P22 increase, making the daily minimum wage to P327 from P305.

The adjustment in will take effect on December 10. The wage board only approved P22 of the P90 per day increase petitioned by the Associated Labor Union and P121.84 increase petitioned by the Alliance of Progressive Labor.

While members of the labor force welcome the development, some business owners, particularly in the export sector threatened to close, saying they can no longer afford the cost of labor.

Exporters said they have not recovered from the global recession that reduced the volume of orders significantly. They are also affected by the strengthening value of the Philippine Peso.

Rama said he has heard these threats to close since 1984, but the economy has  gotten by.

Rama said the Local Government Unit is doing its best to improve the economy in the city.

“So hopefully someday, there will be a fair salary for everybody,” the mayor said.

– (FREEMAN)