Davao, Western Visayas regions raise daily minimum wage

THE WAGE boards of Davao and Western Visayas have raised their regions’ daily minimum wage levels by P21 and P15, respectively, in the wake of Metro Manila’s own P22 increase which took effect on July 1.

The increases pale in comparison to the P75 sought by the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines and the P125 sought by the Kilusang Mayo Uno.

Specifically, the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in Davao region has approved a P21 increase to the existing P255 for agriculture and P265 for non-agriculture workers, which have been in place since June 2008. Historically, Davao has had the highest minimum wage among Mindanao’s six regions.

Although the wage board had yet to release the details of the order, Bienvenido D. Cariaga, management representative, said the amount was as good as approved. “Any further petitions will not be considered. They can file a petition only after one year,” he said by phone.

The adjustment has been submitted to the Labor department’s central office for approval, Mr. Cariaga said, adding that he expects the region to start implementing the wage adjustment by Aug. 16, after publication of the order in local newspapers.

Labor representatives to the wage board could not be immediately reached for verification.

At the same time, the Labor department said in a statement yesterday that the Western Visayas RTWPB has approved a P15 hike in the region’s daily minimum wage of P208-P218 for agriculture workers and P208-P250 for non-farm workers, which have been in place since December 2008.

Wage Order No. RB-VI-18 was issued on July 9, the statement read, quoting Labor Secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz.

In separate interviews yesterday, however, wage board secretary Nesa S. Salido and labor representative Wennie G. Sancho claimed the RTWPB was still finalizing the order. “Not yet, we’re still working on it. Our final meeting will be on August 4,” Mr. Sancho said. — J. B. Escovilla in Davao City and F. A. L. Angelo in Iloilo City –Businessworld


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