- GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The new daily wage increase for the private sector workers and domestic workers or the kasambahay in Western Visayas, is expected to take effect Nov. 17 after it was approved by the National Wages and Productivity Board (NWPB).
The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) VI motu proprio issued Wage Order No. RBVI-28 on Oct. 22, granting a P33-P40 daily wage increase for private sector workers in Western Visayas.
This brings the daily minimum wage rates in Region 6 to a range of P485 – P513 in the non-agriculture sector and P480 in the agriculture sector.
RTWPB VI also approved a P1,000 monthly increase for kasambahays in Western Visayas, or a monthly minimum wage from P5,000 to P6,000.
In accordance with existing laws and procedures, the wage orders were submitted to the NWPB for review, which it affirmed on Monday, Oct. 28.
The new wage orders, which will be published tomorrow, takes effect Nov. 17.
In a statement, RTWPB VI said the wage increases considered the various wage determination criteria provided under Republic Act No. 6727 or the Wage Rationalization Act., including consultations and public hearings, as part of the minimum wage determination process.
Frank Carbon, executive officer of the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry, earlier said that the wage increases will further drive up inflation in Western Visayas.
Expressing his opposition to the wage increase, as of this time, Carbon said the RTWPB VI should, instead, look into how to bring down food inflation. | GB
