Gov’t unions unhappy with promised pay hike

A four-year tranche salary increase for government workers that takes effect this year will only result in a daily wage hike of P24 during the first phase, according to unions of government employees. The Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (Courage), Alliance of Concerned Teachers and Alliance of Healthcare Workers said in a joint statement on Monday that having a livable salary was only natural and “a constitutional right of every Filipino worker.”

They added that a “conservative computation” of a livable wage would be at P1,200 per day. Based on their computation, the first phase of the salary increase would mean an additional P530 a month for Salary Grade 1 Step 1 workers. When divided into 22 working days, this would mean a daily increase of P24, not enough for a kilo of rice.

“We are calling on our fellow government workers to unite and continue the fight for a better and more livable salary for everyone,” the groups said. —DEMPSEY REYES