Workers insist on P150 legislated wage hike

MANILA, Philippines — Workers yesterday reiterated their appeal to President Marcos to certify as urgent the proposed measures seeking a P150 across-the-board wage increase for private sector employees.

The National Wage Coalition (NWC) made the call ahead of Marcos’ third State of the Nation Address on July 22.

The NWC said workers would mount a week-long mass action to compel the President to certify as urgent the legislated wage bills pending in Congress.

Once certified by the President, the labor group said the House of Representatives must act with urgency.

“We will push forward with our demands until workers receive a much-needed and livable wage,” the NWC said.

The nationwide wage review ordered by Marcos failed to help workers, according to the group.

The NWC said a legislated wage increase would enable workers to cope with the soaring prices of basic goods.

Labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno also demanded a salary increase for workers equivalent to the family living wage.

Earlier, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board approved an increase of P35 in the daily minimum wage of workers in the National Capital Region.

From P610, the wage rate for the non-agriculture sector will increase to P645.

Federation of Free Workers president Sonny Matula said the new wage rate in Metro Manila will take effect today or 15 days after its publication on July 1.