Metro Manila workers get P30 wage hike

Manila, Philippines -  The wage board in Metro Manila has approved a new wage order granting a P30 increase in the daily basic bay of workers in the National Capital Region, National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) executive director Ciriaco Lagunzad said yesterday.

The latest increase brings to P456 the current minimum daily wage rate of workers in Metro Manila. Lagunzad said the wage adjustments will be given in two tranches: P20 upon the effectivity of the new wage order, and P10 after six months.

Lagunzad said the newly issued wage order will take effect 15 days after confirmation by the NWPC and its publication in a national newspaper.     

According the Lagunzad, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in the region also ordered the integration of previously granted P22 Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) to the basic pay.

On May 26, 2011, the RTWPB in NCR issued a wage order granting only a P22 COLA, which is not included in the computation of 13th month and other wage-related benefits.

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines earlier filed a petition seeking a P90 increase in minimum daily wage rates for workers in the metropolis.