New round of wage hike eyed

CEBU, Philippines – The Alliance of Progressive Labor has already decided to seek another round of wage increases amid the rising cost of fuel and some basic commodities.

Jose Tomongha, chairperson of APL-Visayas, however said that they still have to consult with their other members under the Cebu Labor Coalition to get their individual sentiments.

The coalition is composed of the Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, the Nagkakaisang Lakas ng Manggagawa-Katipunan, the Federation of Free Workers, the Partido ng Manggagawa, and 17 other independent unions.

“Mas maayo og magkahiusa gyod mi kung mangayo man gani mi ug wage hike para mas lig-on ang among kawsa,” Tomongha said in an interview with The FREEMAN.

Tomongha said they got disappointed when the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board dismissed their P127 petition.

Businesses do not shut down because of the wage increase but because of mismanagement and stiff competition, he added.

Last May, minimum wage earners in Central Visayas were granted an increase of P17 bringing their total take home pay to P267.

However, workers who are receiving above the minimum wage got nothing as it was not an across-the-board wage hike. – Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)