AS WAGE increase started to take effect yesterday, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in Western Visayas is now waiting for possible appeal or application for exemption from employers in the region.
RTWPB-Western Visayas Chairman Johnson Cañete, also the regional director of the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) in Region 6, said part of the new Wage Order, aggrieved parties and companies may submit an appeal or seek exemptions, respectively, within 10 days from the start of its effectivity.
“After the given period, they are bound by the Wage Order already,” he said, reiterating that employers should show proof aside from just claiming that it is difficult to implement the increase or else, they cannot avail of the exemption remedy.
Cañete earlier said companies may seek exemptions as long as they fall into three exceptional circumstances such as if establishments are distressed, if they are new business enterprises, and affected by calamities.
Wage Order No. 24 took effect 15 days after it was published last June 27. It replaced Wage Order No. 23 that expired in March this year.
Signed by members of RTWPB-Western Visayas in Bacolod City last June 11, the order provides workers in the non-agriculture, industrial and commercial establishments employing more than 10 employees a minimum wage of P365 per day.
From the previous P323.50, the Board has come up with an increase of P26.50 on basic wage plus a Cola of P15.
Those employing 10 workers and below, the new wage rate is P295 from only P271.50. It is derived from an increase of P18.50 plus a Cola worth P5, or a total of P23.50.
For the agriculture sector, plantation workers will receive P8.50 increase and Cola of P5 thus, the new wage rate is P295. This is P13.50 higher than the previous P281.50.
Those in non-plantations, the new wage rate is also P295 from the previous P271.50 due to an increase of P18.50 and P5 worth of Cola, or a total of P23.50.
As of yesterday, RTWPB-6 has not yet received any appeal or application for a petition. What it is set to tackle during its next Board meeting is the manifestation of the Iloilo Business Club, which earlier pushed for an only P8 increase.
Cañete reiterated his call to employers in the region to comply with the new Wage Order, as he urged workers to report the Dole, or file complaint if the increase is not yet effected in their upcoming salaries.
“Reports on non-compliance, if there is any, will then be subjected to complaint visit and routine inspection,” he added.