Workers in N. Mindanao to get P10-wage hike

MANILA—Minimum wage earners in Northern Mindanao will have an increase of P10 in their basic pay starting June 20, according to the National Wages and Productivity Commission.

Wage Order No. RX-17 also mandates the integration into their wages of an additional P10 cost-of-living-allowance (COLA) per day to the basic pay effective January 1, 2014.

The mandated adjustments effectively set the minimum wage levels in the region from P259-P286 to P279-P306.

As for minimum wage earners belonging to the sugar industry, new “pakyaw” rates were also included in the wage issuance.

“Pakyaw” rate refers to the rate of remuneration earned by a worker for performing a specific work regardless of the time spent performing a task.

In line with National Wages and Productivity Commission’s two-tiered wage system, the Regional Wage Board will issue an advisory on how to implement the 2nd tier or the performance-based pay. This involves the payment of bonuses and other incentives.

The advisory will serve as guidelines for firms on the amount or range of productivity bonuses and incentives that may be given to their employees.

Meanwhile, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in Zamboanga Peninsula recently issued Wage Order No. RIX-18 granting minimum wage earners a basic pay increase of P13 a day, effective June 10.

The adjustment effectively brings up the daily minimum wage rates in the region from P222 – P267 to P235 – P280.

“After a thorough evaluation of the region’s socio-economic situation, the Wage Board deemed it necessary to increase the region’s minimum wage levels taking into account the interests of both labor and management as well as the continued and sustained viability of business and industry in the Zamboanga Peninsula,” said regional wage board chair Sisinio Cano in a statement.

According to the national wage commission, one of the salient provisions of the wage order is the inclusion of industries whose revenues are regulated by law, such as arrastre, transportation, and utilities, among others.

These companies were directed to comply with the latest wage hike immediately upon approval of an adjustment in their rates by the concerned government entities but not later than six months from the effectivity of the wage order, it said.

The latest issuance does not cover household or domestic workers, persons in the personal service of another such as family drivers, and workers of duly registered Barangay (Micro Business Enterprises, it added.

Distressed establishments in the region may be exempted from compliance with the new wage hike subject to application and subsequent review of the Region IX wage board.