Workers group file petition for P100 wage hike in Metro Manila

A workers’ group on Monday filed a petition seeking a P100 increase in the daily minimum wage in the National Capital Region (NCR) amid the accelerating inflation and the continuous rise in the prices of basic commodities.

Kapatiran ng mga Unyon at Samahang Manggagawa (Kapatiran) lodged its petition before the NCR wage board, according to Dano Tingcungco’s report on “24 Oras."

“Sa kwenta namin noong October, 7.2% inflation, nawalan ng P70 ang purchasing power sa Metro Manila. Dahil patuloy ang pagtaas ng presyo, 8.2% na ngayon ang inflation at hanggang sa susunod na taon, sa tingin namin angkop lang na makabawi ang manggagawa sa halagang P100,” Partido ng Manggagawa president Rene Magtubo said.

(In our computation in October, P70 as lost to the purchasing power of those in Metro Manila due to the 7.2% inflation. Because it is now at 8.2%, we think it is only right to ask for a P100 increase.)

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the wage board will study the petition, adding there are numerous factors to balance in reviewing a wage hike.

“Tingnan natin. Magpatuloy ang mga hanap-buhay, lumaki pa at wag din namang kalimutan na may pangangailangan ang mga manggagawa. Kaya nga mayroong mga non-wage benefits na ginagawa ang pamahalaan eh. 'Yung Kadiwa ng Pasko,” said Laguesma.

(Let’s see. We want business to continue, thrive but keeping in mind that workers have needs, too. That's why the government has non-wage benefts like the Kadiwa ng Pasko.)

The Employers Confederation Of The Philippines (ECOP) acknowledged the petition but said it would only benefit 10% of workers who are earning minimum wage.

It may also lead to layoffs, especially of employees in micro, small and medium enterprises, and may affect 90% of workers in the informal sector who are not receiving minimum wage.

“In effect, you'll benefit the 10% but it becomes a problem with the 90%. Yung maliit eh para kang pumipiga sa bato. Dahil dyan mga yan, marami dyan eh ayaw na magbukas pa pero sumusubok para lang kahit pano kumita,”  ECOP president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. said.

(In effect, you'll benefit the 10% but it becomes a problem with the 90%. Those who are small will have a hard time. A lot of people are experiencing difficulty but they are trying just to earn money. )—Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News