Pay hike seen for Central Luzon workers

MANILA, Philippines, August 24 ------ Minimum wage earners and household workers in Central Luzon are expected to get an increase in their daily take-home pay as the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) will conduct public hearings on their petition for a salary increase.

The RTWPB said that public consultations on the minimum wage adjustment would be held from Sept. 3 to 19 in Olongapo, Tarlac City, Baler in Aurora and Clark in Pampanga. “Interested parties may coordinate with the RTWPB and submit their position papers,” the wage board said in a post on social media.

Meanwhile, labor group Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) has welcomed a proposed bill granting all workers 14th month pay. “Once this 14th Month Pay Bill is enacted, workers will receive their 13th month pay early or in June and the 14th month pay in December. Families will have money to pay their children’s tuition in June and to buy noche buena on Christmas Day,” TUCP president Raymond Mendoza said.

Mendoza said distressed companies may seek an exemption if they cannot comply with the law right away. Workers will be more motivated and productive if they receive better benefits, he said. “Together, we can make this 14th month pay work not only for our workers, but also for our employers and the country,” Mendoza said.

Source: philstar.com