A LABOR group in the province will push for a new hike amid the looming price increases due to the implementation of the last tranche of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (Train) law.

Wennie Sancho, secretary general of the General Alliance of Workers Association, said they will push for a new round of wage increase before the regional wage board this year.

Sancho pointed out the implementation of the last tranche of the TRAIN law has raised the excise tax on gasoline, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas.

Sancho said the rise in oil prices will consequently also increase the price of basic goods and services and the transport sector had already voiced their plans to file a consolidated petition for fare hike nationwide this month.

He further pointed out the extraordinary increases will trigger a “supervening condition” that shall compel them to file another round of wage hike to protect the erosion of the purchasing power of laborers in the region.

In October of last year, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in Western Visayas approved the wage increase of P30 for laborers working in both commercial and industrial sectors.

Although Sancho lauded the approval, he pointed out the wage increase is still “low” and insubstantial. (TDE)