CL, E. Visayas workers get wage increase

MANILA, Philippines - Workers in Central Luzon and Eastern Visayas are finally getting their salary hike.

The National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) said the new wage orders granting salary adjustments to workers in the two regions will take effect next week.

The wage board in Central Luzon granted minimum wage earners in the region a P6 increase in their daily pay aside from the integration of the P24 cost of living allowance (COLA) to their basic pay.

Central Luzon wage board chairman Raymundo Agravante said those employed in establishments with total assets of less than P30 million will receive an additional basic wage increase of P6.50 a day.

An additional basic pay hike of P8 a day will be granted to minimum wage earners in Aurora province, particularly in non-plantation and retail/service establishments employing less than 16 workers.

According to Agravante, the new wage order pegs the highest daily compensation of non-agricultural workers in the region from P330 to P336.

Minimum wage earners in Eastern Visayas, on the other hand, will get an additional P7 COLA starting Oct. 16. 

The NWPC said the additional COLA will be given on top of the existing P15 COLA. The remaining P10 from the COLA will be integrated to the basic pay per day.

Of the 17 regional wage boards, NPWC said 11 have already issued new wage orders this year.