Labor groups want strict compliance of wage order

CEBU, Philippines - Various labor groups are meeting today to discuss a possible concerted action to pressure the Department of Labor and Employment to compel employers to implement the new minimum wage in Metro Cebu.

Jose Tomongha, chairman of the Alliance of Progressive Labor-Central Visayas, said there are companies in Metro Cebu that are not complying with the P13 increase in the minimum wage.

"Gusto namong mahibal-an gikan sa DOLE-7 kung pila ang percentage compliance sa mga kumpaniya ang nituman sa bag-o nga wage increase," said Tomongha.

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board granted P13 increase in the minimum wage in Metro Cebu effective on October 10, 2015. The new minimum wage in Metro Cebu is now P353 a day following the effectivity of the wage adjustment.

Under Wage Order ROVII-19 only minimum wage earners in Metro Cebu are entitled to the wage adjustment.

"A status quo is declared of the existing minimum wage rates in the other areas of Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor," the order read.

The Living Wage Coalition, of which APL is a member along with the Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, earlier filed for a wage adjustment of P145 a day while ALU-TUCP asked P92 increase for all the workers in Central Visayas. The wage board only granted P13 for Metro Cebu.  (FREEMAN)