THE Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) urged Sunday the national government not to push the workers against the wall amid the rise in prices of basic commodities.
In a phone interview, TUCP president Democrito Mendoza scored Malacañang for immediately discounting the possibility of having a salary adjustment granted amid their announcement of a plan to file wage hike petitions.
"Malacañang should protect the interest of workers and their families not push them against the wall," said Mendoza.
If it continues to do so, the labor leader said they may have no other recourse but to instigate protest actions.
"If workers' needs are not met now, workers will have no recourse but to seek redress on the streets," said Mendoza.
On Saturday, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte stressed that it would be impossible to implement wage hikes since there is a one-year ban in between adjustments of minimum salary rates.
This was after the TUCP announced that it is set to file for wage adjustments for workers in Metro Manila as well as in Calabarzon (Region 4-A), and Central Luzon (Region 3).
Mendoza insisted that there is an urgent need to increase minimum wages given the impact of the price increases of food, gas, diesel, LPG as well as the impending fare hike to the cost of living of workers and their families.
"A significant amount of wage increase is very necessary at this time. The pinching impact of a series of price increases is further depriving workers and their families of decent and dignified life," said Mendoza.
Under the country's wage laws, within the 12-month period from effectivity of the wage order, no petition for wage increase may be entertained, except when there is a supervening condition, such as an extraordinary increase in prices of petroleum products and basic goods and services.
To recall, it was last May 26, 2011 when the NCR wage board approved the last wage order to bring the minimum salary in Metro Manila to P426.
On the other hand, Regions 4-A and 3 had their last wage adjustment in January 15, 2011 and June 24, 2011, respectively. (AMN/Sunnex)