• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Labor groups in Negros Occidental and Panay are seeking a P250 daily increase in the minimum wage, with consultations on the petition now underway before the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-Western Visayas (RTWPB-6).
RTWPB-6 spokesperson Atty. Mark Vernon Dioquino said Wednesday, Sept. 2 that the board has formally received the petition and has started consultations among representatives of the government, labor, and business sectors.
The proposed wage increase would cover workers across Iloilo, Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras and Negros Occidental.
Negros Occidental is still included in Western Visayas as the newly-formed Negros Island Region has yet to create its own RTWPB.
Dioquino said employers have yet to submit their official position on the proposal.
He added that the board will consider economic indicators, the cost of living, and the capacity and viability of businesses and industries before deciding on the petition.
While no final date has been set, Dioquino said the RTWPB-6 is targeting to issue a decision by Nov. 19. | GPB
