Arroyo bats for non-wage benefits for private sector workers

MANILA, Philippines - President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Monday urged private companies to give non-wage benefits to their employees to augment earnings and alleviate the rising costs of basic goods. “Lahat ng mga malalaking pabrika at mga malalaking kumpaniya (All big factories and companies), we are urging them and encouraging them to make available to their employees non-wage benefits like rice, canned goods, shuttle services and other benefits," the President said. In Calamba City last week, the President said she would convene a meeting of Regional Wage Boards "all over the country" to discuss salary adjustments for workers to mitigate the adverse effects of the rising world prices of oil and rice. The President also appealed to private firms to include non-wage benefits, such as day care centers for working mothers so they need not hire house help to look after their children while they are at work. - OPS/GMANews.TV