Labor group insists on wage hike, asks DTI chief to resign

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) on Monday insisted that a wage increase is necessary amid the continuous rise in the prices of basic commodities.

According to a Balitanghali report by Maki Pulido, the group is also asking for a P500 monthly subsidy for minimum wage earners.

Last month, labor groups vowed to appeal the decision of the Department of Labor and Employment to grant minimum wage workers in Metro Manila a pay hike of P20.

The TUCP pointed out that an increase of P20 would not be enough to help minimum wage workers.

The TUCP also asked for the resignation of Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, saying that he cannot address the problem of rising prices.

Meanwhile, chairperson of the DOLE regional tripartite and productivity board chairperson Ana Dione said it is still too early to determine how much the pay increase will be.

Dione said there will still be consultations, but that the decision for the pay hike in the National Capital Region will be released this month. — Anna Felicia Bajo/BM, GMA News