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Saturday, November 19, 2005
Employers mull more non-wage benefits in lieu of pay hike
EMPLOYERS in Region 12 or the Soccsksargen Region are reportedly considering additional non-wage benefits to their workers in the wake of the recent implementation of the expanded value-added tax (E-Vat), the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) said.
According to RTWPB secretary Joel Gonzalez granting another increase in the minimum wages of workers in the region would not be a positive move due to the continuing economic crisis.
Region 12 or the Soccsksargen Region covers the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and (North) Cotabato and the cities of Koronadal, General Santos, Cotabato, Tacurong and Kidapawan.
"We're currently trying to balance the effect of the crisis to our employers and our workers and we've seen that increasing the minimum wages again may only trigger some new problems," he said at a media forum held in Koronadal City.
Gonzales pointed out that the minimum wages of Region 12 workers were already increased twice this year.
On January 1, the minimum daily wage for non-agriculture workers increased to P200 while those of agriculture workers increased to P190 with the integration of the P20 and P10 cost of living allowance (Cola), respectively.
Last June 19, an additional Cola of P13.50 for non-agriculture workers, P10 for workers in the agriculture sector, and P6 for those working in the retail industry also took effect in the region.
Workers in the non-agriculture sector and retail industry now receive basic pays of P213.50 and P206, respectively.
Agriculture sector workers now have a P200 basic pay from the previous P190.
"The (regional wage) board actually considered the effects of the implementation of the E-Vat when it approved the wage hike that took effect last June 19," said Gonzalez.
He added they are encouraging employers to provide additional non-wage benefits for their workers.
According to him said benefits might come in the form of free transportation, medical consultations or treatment as well as board and lodging.
Gonzalez said these non-wage benefits might also be computed and converted to cover the previous wage increase.
"These are measures that will help preserve employment and enhance the productivity of local companies," Gonzalez explained. (Allen V. Estabillo)
(November 14, 2005 issue)
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