Labor groups seek to reverse P35 wage hike

MANILA, Philippines — Workers in Metro Manila yesterday sought the reversal of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) order granting an increase of P35 in the daily salary of minimum wage earners in Metro Manila.

In a four-page petition, labor groups led by the Alliance of Nationalist and Genuine Labor Organization asked the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) to set aside the approved wage hike and declare a P1,207 minimum daily wage in the National Capital Region (NCR).

The Unity for Wage Increase Now (UWIN) also called on workers to fight for a decent living wage.

UWIN president Charlie Arevalo said workers deserve nothing less than P1,207 daily minimum pay to survive amid the rising costs of goods.

According to the petitioners, the amount granted by the wage board was based on 2021 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.

The groups demanded the resignation of Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma for failing to “uphold the interest of workers.”