MINIMUM wage earners in the Western Visayas region get a P15 wage increase following the approval of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB).
Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said the workers in different categories will be receiving additional income, 15 days after the order has been published in major dailies.
Based on Wage Order No. RB-VI-18 issued by the RTWPB last July 9, workers in the non-agricultural establishments, employing more than 10 workers will be receiving P265 per day while P223 for non-agricultural establishments employing 10 workers or less.
Workers in the agricultural plantation sector will get P233 a day and P223 for those in the agriculture–non plantation sector.
To recall, the RTWPB approved the P22 increase in the salary of minimum wage earners in National Capital Region last June.
Baldoz said the new minimum wage rates shall apply to all minimum wage earners in the private sector in the region, regardless of their position, designation, or status of employment, and method by which they are paid.
However, distressed establishments and new business enterprises will be exempted from the order for one-year, upon application with and approval of the RTWPB.
The period for application for exemption shall be within 75 days from publication of its approved Implementing Rules.
The new Wage Order was issued on the basis of a petition filed by the Trade Union of Filipino Workers (TUFW) seeking for an across-the-board daily wage increase of P50 and after holding a series of multi-sectoral consultations, public hearing, and deliberation.
Western Visayas region is composed of the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo and Negros Occidental.
For additional details/questions about this release, please call the National Wages and Productivity Commission at 527-8012 to 17 or The Labor Communications Office at 527-3000 local 625. (FP/Sunnex)