MANILA, Philippines — Labor group Federation of Free Workers (FFW) yesterday called on Senate President Francis Escudero to prioritize passage of pending wage hikes and other pro-workers measures.
FFW president Sonny Matula noted that Escudero has a long-standing advocacy for the welfare of Filipino workers.
He urged Escudero to persuade Speaker Martin Romualdez to expedite the passage of the wage recovery hike in the House of Representatives.
“We heard Senator Escudero has been urging employers and the Department of Labor and Employment to support a national legislated wage hike,” Matula said.
The FFW expressed readiness to work closely with the Senate and other legislators to achieve meaningful change for the Filipino workers.
“We are pleased with Sen. Escudero’s accession as Senate President and are optimistic about the positive impact his leadership will have on the Filipino workforce,” Matula said.
Employers and other business groups have warned against legislated wage hikes, and urged the government to stick to the mechanism provided by law for setting wages, through the tripartite wages and productivity boards.