Labor groups ask for P136 more in minimum wage

Labor groups want a 'living' minimum wage from the board for workers in Metro Manila to cope with the rising costs of goods and services.

MANILA, Philippines - Various several labor organizations, including the Trade union Congress of the Philippines-Nagkaisa (TUCP) and TUCP partylist group, on Thursday asked the wage board to add P136 to the current P466 minimum wage for workers in Metro Manila.

The groups filed the wage hike petition during the start of the panel’s review of the current wage rate held in Pasay City.

"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," TUCP partylist Rep. Raymond Mendoza said.

During the discussion, TUCP spokesperson Alan Tanjusay said the real value of the peso has been eroded by 35 per cent due to a variety of inflationary factors including consumer price index and school fees

The peso value was also depleted by the recent Metro Rail Transit-Light Rail Transit fare hike and the impending water and electricity rate increases.

"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. We are asking the board to give a 'living' minimum wage. We particularly appeal to employers to grant our petition," Tanjusay said.

The board is composed of three government representatives, one each from the Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Trade and Industry and National Economic Development Authority and two each from the labor and employers' sectors.

The review process will take about a maximum of two months before deciding on the lawful amount.- By Dennis Carcamo (philstar.com)