Calabarzon workers get P45 wage hike
More than 1.56 million minimum wage earners in Calabarzon region are expected to benefit from a daily wage increase of up to P45 starting Oct. 26, following the approval of a new wage order by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB 4A).
Under Wage Order No. IVA-23, the maximum P45 daily increase translates to an additional P1,170 in monthly earnings for the workers, RTWPB 4A said in a statement on Oct. 10.
The increase will vary depending on the industry sector and municipality classification across the region.
RTWPB 4A, together with the National Wages and Productivity Commission, approved the new rates through a tripartite mechanism involving representatives from labor groups, employers and the government.
Increase for domestics
In accordance with Republic Act No. 6727 or the Wage Rationalization Act, the wage board’s decision followed a review and evaluation of socioeconomic conditions in Calabarzon, comprising the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon.
RTWPB 4A also approved a P750 monthly wage increase (or about P25 daily) for domestic workers, raising their minimum monthly wage to P7,500 starting Oct. 26.
The increase is expected to benefit about 201,000 of those workers or “kasambahay” in the region, including cooks, gardeners, laundry workers, family drivers and occasional workers.
Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino said the Department of Labor and Employment and its regional office would ensure that establishments implement the new wage rates and closely monitor compliance with the wage order.
Meanwhile, a separate wage order covering Central Visayas and parts of the Negros Island Region is set to take effect on Oct. 14, granting workers a P42 increase in their daily minimum wage.
In Metro Manila, Wage Order No. 28 took effect on Sept. 26, granting workers a P60 daily wage increase.
The order was issued while the earlier Wage Order No. 27, which provided for a P85 increase in two tranches, remains under litigation.
