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Thursday, August 23, 2007
Board hikes 'minimum wage' by P10
By Joy Romares-Sevilla
DAVAO CITY -- The Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in Southern Mindanao has agreed to increase the daily minimum wage of workers in the region by P10.
The amount will be added to the cost of living allowance (Cola), which is a component of the minimum wage in the region, said RTWPB chair and Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) Director Ponciano Ligutom.
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"The amount was based on the data we have. It is the figure that best provides the needed increase for workers in the region, and it is the figure that is within the capacity of the employers," Ligutom added.
Ligutom said the employer and labor sectors accepted the increase and the board arrived at a unanimous decision at around 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. He praised the RTWPB in Southern Mindanao members for the immediate passage of the hike.
He added that this is the first time that the region came up with a unanimous decision on a wage increase.
The increase, Ligutom said, will be added to the P16 Cola of every worker in the region.
"Minimum wage is composed of the basic salary and the Cola, so we increased the minimum wage by P10 even if it was added to the Cola," Ligutom said.
He added that the decision was already sent to the national wage board for review.
"Hopefully, they would be able to review it today (Wednesday). It will take effect 15 days after it will be published in the newspapers," Ligutom said.
Ligutom said there is a possibility that prices of basic commodities will, likewise, increase with the new minimum wage adjustment.
"The prices of commodities may increase, we still do not know, let us just see, but we are confident in the board that our decision is the best decision we made for the interest of the community," he said. (Sun.Star Davao/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Iloilo. (August 23, 2007 issue)
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