Metro workers to get wage hike

MANILA, Philippines - Workers in Metro Manila are expected to get a pay hike.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said yesterday the employers and workers have agreed on the need to grant a salary increase for workers in the National Capital Region.

Alan Macaraya, DOLE’s NCR director, said members of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) met to decide if there is a basis to review the existing wage order.

“The board approved the holding of public hearing, which means there will be a salary hike. But the amount will still have to be determined,” Macaraya said.

Under the rules, Macaraya said the wage board must publish the schedule of the public hearing in a national publication.

“During the public hearing, all sectors and not only the employers and management will have the opportunity to voice out their views,” he added.

Earlier, the two factions of the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), the country’s largest trade group, filed a petition with the RTWPB seeking P85 wage hike for workers in Metro Manila.

TUCP spokesman Alan Tanjusay said about 3.5 million workers in the metropolis would benefit from the wage hike to be granted by the wage board.

Tanjusay said the current daily minimum wage of P456 in Metro Manila is no longer enough for workers.

Last year, the wage board granted a P30 salary increase for workers in the metropolis.

Tanjusay called on the wage board to decide on their petition as soon as possible.