THE National Wages and Productivity Council (NWPC) has revised Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) Order 118-12 governing the employment and working condition of public utility bus (PUB) drivers and conductors.

Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) 7 Secretary Grace Carreon said the order took effect last March 9.

Carreon said the wages must be based on the existing minimum wage order issued by the RTWPB 7, which is P386 a day in Metro Cebu.

PUB owners and operators are also obligated to give their drivers and conductors overtime pay, 13th month pay and Social Security System premiums, among others.

Julie Flores, president of the Cebu Bus and Minibus Transport Cooperative, said they will not oppose the law if it is fair, and will not affect operations.

Flores said, however, bus drivers and conductors spend hours waiting for their schedule of departure at the terminal.

If they are forced to pay overtime for hours which the drivers and conductors are not travelng, they will be forced to implement the new fare rate ordered by the Land Transportation and Franchising and Regulatory Board, she said. The new fate rate is P9 for the first five kilometers and P1.55 per succeeding kilometer, from P6 for the first five kilometers and P1.20 per succeeding kilometer. (EOB)