Labor group: P40 wage hike in NCR ‘small victory’ for workers

The wage hike takes effect on July 16, or 15 days after its publication on June 30. (File Photo: Asael Peña/Unsplash)

MANILA – A group on Friday called the PHP40 wage increase in the minimum wage of workers in Metro Manila a minor triumph for the labor force.

“A PHP40 increase is a small yet significant step. It can cover the cost of a kilo of rice, with a peso or two added. We view it as a minor victory, and we prompt other Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards to expedite wage orders within their jurisdictions,” Federation of Free Workers (FFW) national vice president Jun Ramirez said in a statement.

This came after the National Capital Region (NCR) Wage Board announced on Thursday the minimum wage rate adjustment in the region, from the current PHP570 to PHP610 for non-agricultural workers.

The wage hike takes effect on July 16, or 15 days after its publication on June 30.

Despite the amount being far from their anticipated wage hike of more than PHP100, Ramirez said they recognize the wage hike “as a beacon of hope and a testament to the change that the united efforts of workers can manifest.”

“This should serve as a stepping stone towards our ultimate goal – a nationwide legislated wage hike of PHP150. We invite our members, workers, and the public to rally behind the higher wage proposal currently under review in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. This legislation is pivotal to substantially enhancing the economic conditions of our workers and their families,” he said.

Ramirez also urged all workers to strengthen their collective bargaining power and advocate for improved working conditions and adequate wages.

On the other hand, Ramirez said they are looking forward to the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) continued partnership in these efforts.

“Their role is vital in protecting workers who form and join unions, shielding them from red-tagging, harassment, and upholding a liberal stance in certifying collective bargaining agents as the legitimate representatives of workers’ interests,” he added.

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in the NCR, through Wage Order NCR-24 issued on June 26, 2023, has approved the additional PHP40 salary increase for minimum wage earners.

For the agriculture sector, service sector, and retail establishments employing 15 or fewer workers, and manufacturing establishments regularly employing fewer than 10 workers, the employees will now be getting PHP573 from PHP533.