ON THE eve of the implementation of the new daily minimum wage rate in Metro Manila, labor group, Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) continued lambasting the “farewell gift” of President Aquino.
In a statement, KMU Chairman Elmer Labog said the farewell gift of Aquino of P10 cost of living allowance (COLA) for workers in the National Capital Region (NCR) is simply “insulting”.
“The P10 COLA for Metro Manila workers shows how Aquino has consistently been anti-worker until the end of his term. He refused to give workers any immediate relief in the form of a significant wage hike and further destroyed the minimum wage,” said KMU Chairman Elmer Labog in a statement.
He pointed how the P491 minimum wage is still a far cry from the P1,086 Family Living Wage identified by independent think-tank Ibon Foundation.
“It is equivalent to no more than 45 percent of the Family Living Wage or the amount needed daily by an average Filipino family to live decently,” said Labog.
The labor leader added that the meager pay increase only proves their belief that the economic growth being boasted by Malacanañg does not mean anything to workers.
“What is economic growth if workers are being denied the right to a minimum wage? Let alone a living wage,” lamented Labog.
To note, KMU has long been calling for the enactment of a National Minimum Wage in the amount of P750 per day for private-sector workers; and P16,000 monthly for government employees.
KMU’s statement comes even as Wage Order No. NCR-20 of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board – National Capital Region (RTWPB-NCR) officially takes today (Thursday).
“The wage rate per day prescribed in this order shall apply to all minimum wage earners in the private sector in the region, regardless of their position, designation, or status of employment and irrespective of the method by which they are paid,” said the Wage Order.
Comprising the present minimum wage rate for non-agricultural workers of P491 is the P481 basic wage and the P10 COLA.
On the other hand, the minimum wage rate of P454 for agricultural workers, retail/service establishments employing 15 workers or less, and manufacturing establishments regularly employing less than 10 workers, is comprised of the P444 basic wage and the P10 COLA.
Implementation of the minimum wage rate shall, however, exclude domestic workers; persons in the service of another, such as family drivers; and workers of duly-registered Barangay Micro Business Enterprises.
On the other hand, eligible to seek exemption, according to the Wage Order, are distressed establishments; retail/service establishments employing not more than 10 workers; and establishments adversely affected by natural calamities.
The new Wage Order shall be in effect in the cities of Caloocan, Las Pinas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Manila, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Paranaque, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon, San Juan, Taguig, Navotas, and Valenzuela, and the municipality of Pateros. (HDT/Sunnex)