Workers in the Bicol Region thanked the government, especially the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-5), for the PHP40 wage increase approved by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB).
In a press conference Tuesday, DOLE-5 Director and RTWPB Chair Imelda Gatinao said the wage increase will benefit over 100,000 minimum wage earners in the region.
“We are strengthening the support services of agencies that provide livelihood assistance to families to help improve their living conditions,” Gatinao said.
The wage adjustment will be implemented in two tranches: an initial PHP20 increase by April 5 and another PHP20 increase effective Dec. 1.
She also clarified that the increase applies to all minimum wage earners in the private sector, regardless of their position, designation, status or the method by which their wages are paid.
“We want to ensure that no worker is left behind in our efforts to improve wage standards and uplift the overall welfare of the workforce in the Bicol while also fostering a more stable and equitable economic environment,” she added.
In a separate statement during the press conference, labor representative Dante Encinas said they are considering the capacity of the employer when increasing a salary.
“We agreed to the two tranches because a one-time increase of PHP40 would be too heavy for employers. That would mean an additional PHP800 per month, plus contributions to the Social Security System, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Pag-IBIG (Fund),” Encinas said.
He added that if they push for higher wages, companies might close down and many employees could lose their jobs.
Worker reactions
James Fernandez, a 22-year-old working student from Barangay Bigaa, thanked the government for the additional wage he received as a service crew member at a fast-food restaurant in Legazpi City.
“I’m thankful because this will help with my daily expenses, especially since I have a lot of school fees to pay, but since prices of goods are still high, it’s still not enough,” he said in an interview.
Sean Amador, 31, has been working as a maintenance worker at a big company in Legazpi for more than five years.
“For me, PHP40 is something that I am grateful for. This is better than nothing. It’s a big help for us,” he said.
Judy Baranquil, 36, has been a laundry attendant for over a year and said the increase will help support her family with their expenses.
“I’m happy because the salary will increase and it will lessen our daily expenses, given the inflation of food products,” she said in Filipino.
The RTWPB also issued another order granting a PHP1,000 monthly increase for domestic workers, raising their monthly salary to PHP6,000 in the region. (PNA)
