Sunday, May 11, 2008 Wage hike imminent but no rate yet
THERE is no question anymore that a new wave of wage increase will be implemented, but as to how much still remains to be debated.
Labor and Employment Regional Director Aida Estabillo made the announcement in Thursday's hearing of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) at the Bacolod Business Inn.
As per past trends, Estabillo said a compromise might be met for both management and labor to meet halfway and decide on how much increase will be implemented.
In their consultation in the region, industries and establishments are only willing to increase the daily minimum wage by P10 to P15 as against the P50 demand of labor organizations.
While last year's wage hike is yet to be fully implemented by September this year, the current wage increase proposal was given priority due to supervening conditions.
Spiraling fuel and food costs added urgency to the passage of the petition, Estabillo said, adding that what is left now for the RTWPB to decide is how much would the increase be and when would this be implemented.
Estabillo is hopeful they could arrive at an agreement soon after the public hearing scheduled on May 22. She also lauded the cooperation of labor and management groups to maintain a harmonious relationship, which "is the only way to ensure a speedy resolution to the wage hike petition," submitted by the National Congress of Unions in the Sugar Industry-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (Nacusip-TUCP).
In the hearing, the Confederation of Sugar Producers' Association Inc. submitted their position to grant a P10 wage increase, saying rising fuel prices and steep increase in farm inputs and fertilizers will not make it possible for them to accept the P50 increase sought by labor groups.
"In the same way that workers feel the harsh consequences thereof, employers too, experience hard and difficult times as a result of rising prices," Confed said.
The Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) and the Bacolod Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BFCCCI) also opposed the P50 hike being sought, urging the wage board not to lose sight of (the fact) the micro and small and medium businesses "also suffer from the adverse effects of increases in prices."
"These adversely affected not only their profitability but also their viability and competitiveness," their joint position stated, adding that they are only amenable to grant "not higher than P10 per day emergency cost of living allowance to help workers cope with the rising cost of essential commodities."
Meanwhile, labor groups continue to urge the wage board to see their plight, saying the P50 proposed wage hike will not even be enough to sustain their basic needs, and stressing that at least, P550 a day is needed to feed a family of six.
This does not even mention additional needs for children's education, medical care and clothing, among others, which should also be considered. (Ma. Ester Espina)
