P5 to P8 ECOLA an insult-labor group

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — A representative of the labor sector said the offer of management groups in Panay of a P5 to P8 Emergency Cost of Living Allowance (ECOLA) to workers is a pittance and an insult to labor.

"What can you do with an additional P5 to P8 a day, it cannot even pay for transportation?" Wennie Sancho, labor representative in the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB), said.

"The P5 to P8 offer of management was not supported by reliable economic data. How can labor accept an offer, which is an insult?" Sancho said.

"We will manifest our vehement opposition to the offer of management in Panay and will continue to push for a P99 wage hike at the RTWPB hearing in Bacolod today (Friday)," he said.

DOLE-6 director Manuel Roldan, chair of RTWPB-6, said that last Wednesday the management groups in Panay turned down the labor sector's bid for a P99 daily wage hike in Western Visayas and instead offered a P5 to P8 ECOLA at a hearing conducted by RTWPB in Iloilo City.

The Iloilo business groups offered at P8 ECOLA and Aklan businessmen offered a P5 ECOLA. he said adding that the RTWPB-6 will hold another hearing in this city, at 9:30 a.m. today.

Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Maranon Jr. said the offer of the management group is not enough, as there are companies which are gaining more and can very well afford a higher ECOLA and wage hike.

"For companies that are gaining, I appeal to them to share their blessings to their employees," he said.

The Trade Union of Filipino Workers has a pending petition for a P97 wage hike, while the National Congress of Unions in the Sugar Industry of the Philippines-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines is seeking a P99 hike in Western Visayas. — THE FREEMAN