THE Progressive Alliance of Capitol Employees (Pace) is pressing for wage increase for government employees.
The proposed salary increase for government workers is “long overdue,” says Pace president Renelo Lastierre.
The group has more than 2,000 Capitol employees as members.
Lastierre said the National Workers Congress has already pushed for salary increase for government employees.
“Salaries of employees both in government and private sector must be commensurate to the high cost of living, education, and health of the workers,” he said.
However, he lamented the fact that government workers are not represented and they are “are not recognized by government leaders.”
The lack of recognition for organized workers in government is due to the “elitist mentality of many officials who do not see and feel the real living conditions of the working class.”
He called for “unity among government employees despite regulations that they should be impartial.”
“We need leaders who are worker-friendly and who recognize our role in nation-building, “ Lastiere said.
Earlier this week President Benigno Aquino III said he wants salaries of government workers to be increased 60 to 70 percent compared to their counterparts in the private sector.
Aquino said there is a huge gap between those working in the public and private sector in terms of salaries and wages.