THE Department of Labor and Employment (Dole)–Central Visayas has set the four-leg public consultations and hearing on the wage petitions filed by different labor groups beginning with the one on November 9 in Cebu City.

In a statement, Dole–Central Visayas Director Exequiel Sarcauga disclosed that they have already set the public consultations considering that three wage hike petitions have already been filed.

"The wage consultations will tackle the petitions for minimum wage increase filed before the office of Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB),” said Sarcauga.

He said the first wage consultation will happen on November 9 at Sarrosa International Hotel & Residential Suites in Mabolo, Cebu City; to be followed by the one set on November 16, which will be conducted in Bogo City.

The third leg is scheduled to take place on November 25 in Tagbilaran City, Bohol; while the final phase of the series will be in Dumaguete City on December 2.

“It targets to ensure the broad participation of stakeholders and other parties affected by wage adjustment. It also helps generate data on the views or position of stakeholders on petitions for such move,” said Sarcauga.

The first wage petition was filed by the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), which is seeking for a P161 across-the-board daily wage increase in Central Visayas.

The Sentro or Alliance of Progressive Labor (APL) filed the second petition and has sought for a P140 across-the-board daily wage increase.

Finally, the Philippine Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Workers’ Union (PACIWU-TUCP) also filed for a wage increase of P101.34, P90.61, and P86.87 per day for workers in the private sector of the Negros Island Region (NIR).

“Negros Oriental is still under the jurisdiction of RTWPB-7 since the Wage Board for NIR has yet to be constituted,” explained RTWPB-Central Visayas Secretary Grace Carreon.

Apart from the wage hike petitions, Carreon said the wage rate of domestic helpers or kasambahays in the region will also be discussed during the public consultations.

Data from the Central Visayas wage board indicate that the current average wage rate of domestic helpers is P2,500. (HDT/Sunnex)