CEBU, Philippines — Labor coalition NAGKAISA said that the Senate’s discussion and likely approval of a P100 per day minimum wage increase this week marks a significant step forward and it can be viewed as a timely gift for workers on Valentine’s Day.
The coalition commended the Senate for bringing the national wage hike discussion to the plenary last week and into this week’s probable approval.
Earlier, the coalition urged the House of Representatives and the Senate to speed up action on wage increase proposals.
The coalition, in a statement, said that the Senate action renews hope among workers and their unions for a standardized wage increase across the country, paving the way for the potential establishment of a singular national minimum wage in the coming days and it highlights a pivotal concern within the present economic structure.
Meanwhile, labor group Partido Manggagawa (PM) slammed Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma for speculating that the P100 legislated wage hike will have an adverse impact on the economy, especially on small and medium enterprises.
“Labor Secretary Laguesma is singing the same old song with employers about economic difficulties once workers are granted a substantial wage hike. But they are singing out of tune as their doomsday scenario is refuted by economic indicators. Inflation and unemployment subsided since regional wages were increased in the latter half of 2023,” Dennis Derige, PM Cebu spokesperson said.
Derige said despite wage increases implemented last year, including the P33 per day for minimum wage earners, inflation and unemployment went on a secular decline in contrast to the dire predictions of employers and the DOLE.
NAGKAISA added that despite the original intention behind the establishment of Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) 35 years ago under Republic Act 6727, or the Wage Rationalization Act, to foster economic balance through regional minimum wages, this method has unintentionally created significant disparities and discrimination among workers.
“The present minimum wage law has created poverty wages for many workers. All the minimum wages around the country are below the poverty threshold for a family of five,” it said.
NAGKAISA has urged Congress to review and amend the present regional wage fixing mechanism instituted under RA 6727 aimed at satisfying the constitutional mandate of granting workers a living wage as mandated in Articles XIII and XV of the Constitution.
“We call on the Senate and the House not to be blackmailed by the apocalyptic forecasts of enemies of the working class,” Derige added.
Furthermore, both NAGKAISA and PM appeal to Congress to deprioritize charter change discussions in favor of pressing issues directly affecting workers’ rights, wages and livelihood. (CEBU NEWS)