A labor group called for a minimum wage increase of P100 for workers nationwide, amid rising commodity prices.
Up to P100 has been deducted from the actual amount of the P537 minimum wage in Metro Manila, according to government data. Therefore, Defend Jobs Philippines thinks that the daily wage should be P100 not only in Metro Manila but also in those in the province.
“‘Yun pong tumaas naman ang bilihin, pamasahe, across the board din naman, lahat naman apektado eh. Kaya tingin namin makatuwiran ‘yung pagtaas ng sahod, across the board din,” said Christian Lloyd Magsoy, spokesperson of Defend Jobs Philippines.
Although there is an expected process for issuing wage increase, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) supports any assistance that can be provided to workers.
“We do support kasi nga, kami nga wage subsidy, like 25 percent to 50 percent of the prevailing minimum wage ‘yung aming pinu-push. But any amount that will help people spend will be of great help. Ang kailangan lang nating tignan is ‘yung mekanismo nitong programa po na ito or ng proposal na ito,” said DOLE Assistant Secretary Dominique Tutay.
Also read: KMU calls for higher minimum wage for Meto Manila workers
Labor group pushes for P100 wage increase in Metro Manila, provinces
As of January, 25, 226 have been laid off, while 108,089 have been laid off due to temporary closure or reduced work days and wages. DOLE wants to have a wage subsidy for the aforementioned employees to reduce layoffs.
But more than P40 billion will be recommended by DOLE in Bayanihan 3.
Defend Jobs Philippines supported the proposal but insisted that workers’ wages still need to be raised.
“Kasi wage subsidy, ano ‘yun eh, may timeframe lang siya na panahon ng pandemic. Papano kung wala nang pandemic, hindi pa rin nakakabawi sa crisis? Eh di mawawalan din siya ng saysay,” said Magsoy.
Under the DOLE proposal, the wage subsidy will last for three months and is expected to help 1.6 million workers.
But according to Defend Jobs Philippines, more than 30 million will benefit from the wage increase, which will also benefit the economy and businesses.