P90 wage hike bid filed for region’s workers

A P90 across-the-board wage increase petition was filed by the Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP) for workers in Central Visayas before the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB 7).

“The wage hike petition is essential if workers are to cope with the rising prices of commodities and cost of living,” the petition reads.

This was the second wage increase petition filed before the wage board in Central Visayas.

Last Sept. 27, the Living Wage Coalition-Cebu composed of 22 various labor groups spearheaded by the Alliance of Progressive Labor filed a petition asking for a P132-wage adjustment.

However, the RTWPB 7 has to decide whether or not to accept the two petitions since it granted the P22 wage hike that took effect on December 7, 2012, raising the minimum wage for Metro Cebu to P327/day.

Under the law, the wage board will accept new petition for wage increase one year after its issuance of the last wage order, unless the existence of supervening conditions is proven.

ALU-TUCP representative Ernesto Carreon said the board will hear first the report of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) 7 about the economic indicators in the region during their Oct. 30 meeting.

“I’m hoping that the new wage order will be issued before Christmas”, he said.

Carreon added that he expects the management sector representatives will object to the petitions. Correspondent Jhunnex Napallacan