For metro Cebu workers: P13 wage hike takes effect tomorrow

CEBU, Philippines - The P13 daily wage adjustment for workers in the private sector in Metro Cebu will take effect tomorrow.

Exequiel Sarcauga, chairman of the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board-7, said yesterday that no private sector worker in Metro Cebu shall receive a salary less than P353 per day. The current minimum wage is at P340 per day.

The wage order (No. ROVII-19) applies to all minimum wage private sector workers and employees in Metro Cebu, regardless of their position, designation or status of employment and irrespective of the method by which their wages are paid.

“A status quo is declared of the existing minimum wage rates in the other areas of  Cebu, Bohol, Negros  Oriental and Siquijor,” the order reads.

All workers paid by results, the order stated, including those who are paid on piece work, “takay” or task basis, shall be entitled to receive not less than the prescribed minimum wage increase per eight hours work a day.

Wages of apprentices and learners shall not be less than 75 percent of the applicable minimum wage rates, as prescribed in the order, while all qualified handicapped shall receive the full amount of increase as stated in the order.

The order said that for private educational institutions, the share of covered workers and employees in the increase in tuition fees for school year 2015-2016 shall be considered as compliance with the increase.

However, payment of any shortfall in the wage increase shall be covered starting school year 2016-2017.

The order added that private educational institutions which have not increased their tuition fees for the school year 2015-2016 may defer compliance with the increase until the beginning of school year 2016-2017.

In the case of contractors for construction projects and for security, janitorial and similar services, the order stated that the prescribed increases in the wage rates of the workers shall be allowed by the principals or clients of the construction/service contractors, and the contract shall be deemed amended accordingly.

In the event, however, that the principal or client fails to pay the prescribed  increase or new minim wage rates, the construction/service contractor shall be jointly and severally liable with his principal or client.

“No petition for exemption shall be allowed. However, in case of a calamity, the Board may accept applications for exemptions filed by establishment adversely affected by calamities,” the order reads.

Household or domestic helpers, persons in the personal service of another, including family drivers and workers registered in Barangay Micro Business Enterprises with valid certificate of authority, are not covered under the order.  —/ATO (FREEMAN)