DOLE to consult labor sector on LRT, MRT fare hike

MANILA, Philippines - The Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) will look into the minimum wage for workers in Metro Manila amid the fare hike in the Light Rail Transit and Metro Rail Transit, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said yesterday.

Baldoz said the wage board is set to hold consultations with the labor sector and other stakeholders on Jan. 23 and 30.

She said RTWPBs monitor several indicators one year after the last wage adjustment to determine the appropriate minimum pay for workers even without a pending petition for salary increase.

“The last tranche of wage hike was in January last year,” she said.

Baldoz said the wage board considers the basic needs of workers and their families such as food and non-food commodities and cost of transportation.

She said the RTWPB in Metro Manila is studying the impact of the P10 adjustment in LRT and MRT fares.