Wage board reviews kasambahay pay in Central Visayas

Wage board reviews kasambahay pay in Central Visayas

THE Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in Central Visayas (RTWPB-7) is reviewing the salaries received by the kasambahay or household service workers (HSWs) in the region.

In a statement, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Director Johson Cañete disclosed that the members of the board have started reviewing the last wage order which was issued two years ago.

The assessment, he said, includes conducting a survey among the employers and kasambahays in the region.

The labor official said that the survey, among others, aims to determine the number of household helpers who are receiving the minimum wage and those who are covered by social welfare benefits.

“We started conducting the survey since the last quarter of 2018. And, with that, we hope to collect substantial data regarding the status of the household helpers in the region,” said Cañete.

Central Visayas wage board secretary Grace Carreon said they are also preparing to hold a public consultation on the matter.

“We are planning to hold public consultations regarding this move and we are eyeing Dumaguete City as our first stop, although the board has not yet agreed on the final date,” Carreon said.

Currently, HSWs in cities and all first class municipalities in Central Visayas should be paid not less than P3,000 every month while those in other municipalities (not first class) are supposed to receive a minimum of P2,500 per month.

Under Republic Act No. 10361 otherwise known as an Act Instituting Policies for the Protection and Welfare of Domestic Workers or Batas Kasambahay, the previous minimum wage rates of domestic workers were set at P2,000 for those working in the cities and first class municipalities and P1,500 for domestic workers based in other municipalities.

Under the Kasambahay Law, apart from the standard minimum wages, household service workers must be able to avail and enjoy other mandatory benefits such as the 13th month pay; five days service incentive leave; and one rest day per week.

Kasambahays also have the right to avail the Solo Parent Leave (RA 8972); Special Leave Benefit for Woman under the Magna Carta for Women (RA 9710); and Violence against Women and their Children (VAWC) Leave (RA 9262).

Central Visayas region is composed of Bohol, Cebu, Siquijor, and Negros Oriental. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)

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