Never surrender wage hike fight, disappointed workers told

MANILA, Philippines – A lawmaker on Labor Day urged employees of the government and private firms and members of the House of Representatives to step up the pressure for pay increase.

Labor groups are fighting for a P125 across the board wage hike to improve workers’ living conditions and keep up with today’s cost of living but Malacañang has turned down the wage increase proposal, leaving  the private sector workers disappointed on Labor Day.

The Palace said it is up to the wage boards and the Department of Labor and Employment to decide on the matter.

Compared to government expenses for the military, Act Teachers Representative Antonio Tinio said the P125 across the board wage hike is minimal.

He called on workers to fight on for wage increase and to remind the government of their predicament.

President Benigno Aquino III had earlier announced that the fourth tranche in salary increase for government workers will be implemented by July. Unless a new measure is passed, Tinio said that the proposed pay adjustment would supposedly be the last leg of the Salary Standardization Law 3.

Under the law, those classified under Salary Grade 1 can expect an increase of P713 per month while those under SG 11 can expect an increase of up to P17,099 to P18,549.