Several groups are expressing their dissatisfaction with the recent 40-peso increase in the minimum wage for workers.
This was after the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) approved the said daily minimum wage increase in private sectors in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Allan Labahata of Wage Petitioner under Unity for Wage Increase Now (UWIN) stated that the 40-peso raise is insufficient, as its value has already been eroded by the high prices of goods and services.
Labahata emphasized that they had filed a petition for a more significant increase of P530, aiming to raise the daily wage to P1100, which was based on studies conducted by research institutions.
"Lubhang kulang po ‘yung P40 pesos na wage increase sa National Capital Region. Kami sa UWIN nag-file ng petition para dagdagan ng P530, ibig sabihin itaas sa P1100 ang arawang sahod. Di namin ito pinulot sa hangin, bunga ito ng mga pag-aaral ng mga research institution," he expressed.
"P40? Anong alwan ang maidadala non? Di pa naibibigay, kinain na ng taas-presyo ang halaga? Patuloy ang aming panawagan: ibigay ang nakabubuhay na sahod," the UWIN rep said.
Likewise, fellow workers in the labor movement filed a P100 wage recovery petition with the Regional Wage Board.
Unfortunately, neither petition received any attention, and only a fraction of their demands were granted.
"Kasabay nito, ang ating mga kapatid sa kilusang paggawa nag-file naman ng P100 wage recovery sa RWB. Parehong di pinakinggan, ni kalahati ng anumang petisyon, hindi ibinigay," he pointed out.
Meanwhile, Jerome Adonis, Secretary General of Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), also expressed his concern, stating that the government's neglect and exploitation of workers were evident once again.
He emphasized that the 40-peso increase fell short and failed to address the workers' needs.
"Bagamat may nakamit tayo sa ating laban, tinipid at binarat na naman tayo ng rehimen. Kulang na nga P40 para makabili ng karagdagang isang kilong bigas para sa pamilya, wala man lang ito sa kalahati ng mga isinampang petisyon ng mga unyon at labor groups," said Adonis.
Despite these setbacks, the groups remain committed to their fight for a living wage that adequately supports the needs of workers.
