Group set to file wage hike petition

CEBU, Philippines - The Living Wage Coalition is set to file a wage hike petition this week following the implementation of a P13/day Cost of Living Allowance for minimum wage workers in Central Visayas last March 21.

The COLA rate was implemented by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-7.

Metudio Belarmino, the coalition’s spokesperson, said they were supposed to appeal the decision before the National Wage and Productivity Commission but the process would take longer. The commission initially thought of demanding for a wage increase instead of a COLA.

“But we are convinced nga kung mu-file mi og appeal, it would take mga six months before they can decide unya pabor lang gihapon na sa management ilang decision. That’s why we opted to file a petition na lang gyud,” Belarmino said.

Besides, he said, there is no law that bars them from filing for a wage hike petition even with the implementation of the COLA rate.

“There is no law that prohibit us to file another wage hike petition kay ang ilang gihatag sa mga workers kay COLA man. Di man salary increase,” Belarmino said.

He said a COLA does not form part of a worker’s basic pay.

In September last year, the coalition, composed of at least 40 labor unions/organizations, filed for a P132 daily wage increase for all workers in Central Visayas while ALU-TUCP filed a P90 daily wage hike for all workers in the region.  (FREEMAN)