A labor group on Thursday pressed for a P136-pay increase for workers in Metro Manila.
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines-Nagkaisa said it would ask the Department of Labor and Employment to add P136 more to the P466 minimum wage in the National Capital Region.
TUCP spokesman Alan Tanjusay said the real value of the peso has been eroded by at least 35 per cent due to inflation along with increases in consumer prices, tuition, MRT/LRT fare and the impending water and electricity rates.
“The real value of the current P466 minimum wage is P299 only. It cannot sustain the needs of a family. As a result, many employed workers fall through the cracks and join the growing ranks of the working poor. Thus, we are asking the board to give a ‘living’ minimum wage. We particularly appeal to employers to grant our petition,” he said.
“Workers and their families have long been suffering from the spiraling costs of basic commodities and services that include food, transportation, electricity and water. We do not even count on our need for clothing, shelter, education and healthcare which seem to have become a luxury for the poor and a privilege for the few. A decent life is a human right which should be enjoyed by all.”
Party-list Rep. Raymond Mendoza noted the inadequate pay among employees.
“We have been experiencing growth in our economy but the workers who worked hard for it are wallowing in poverty. They have jobs and most are employed yet they do not benefit the development. This is highly unfair and grossly unjust to workers and their families. It is a social discrepancy that needs urgent attention from government and employers must take seriously into consideration,” he said. - By Vito Barcelo / Manila Standard Today
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