Labor group welcomes passing of P200-wage hike bill

Local

WHILE still far from the P1,200 daily minimum wage they are demanding, members of a labor group on Wednesday, June 4, welcomed the House of Representatives’ approval of a P200 wage hike, calling it a result of workers’ persistent clamor for a legislated increase.

The group Kilusang Mayo Uno said the passage of House Bill No. 11376 marks the first time since 1989 that Congress has approved a wage hike through legislation.

They said this exposes the failure of the existing regional wage-setting system.

The House passed the measure on third and final reading Tuesday, with 171 lawmakers voting in favor, one against, and none abstaining.

The bill seeks to increase the daily pay of all minimum wage earners in the private sector, regardless of employment status or industry, by P200.

The labor organization renewed its call to abolish the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards and to repeal Republic Act 6727, or the Wage Rationalization Act.

It also pushed for the establishment of a national minimum wage based on the family living wage.

The group urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to sign the measure without delay once it reaches his desk, warning that a veto would further reveal the administration’s anti-worker stance.

It also vowed to continue launching mass protests to demand not only a living wage but also better working conditions and full protection of workers’ rights.(MyTVCebu)