Labor groups welcome wage hike

SIQUIJOR, Siquijor — Labor groups welcomed the House of Representatives' passage of a P200 across-the-board wage hike for private-sector workers but maintained that the increase falls short of addressing the rising cost of living and persistent wage inequality in the country.

Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) said the bill's approval is a product of persistent and collective efforts by workers nationwide who have long demanded a legislated wage increase.

They described the House action as a significant development, noting that it is the first time since 1989 that Congress has approved a wage hike through legislation.

The group emphasized, however, that the proposed P200 hike still falls far short of their call for a P1,200 daily minimum wage.

They warned that despite the bill's progress, the amount remains inadequate for workers and their families to meet their basic needs, especially amid rising prices of food, transport, and other essential goods and services.

KMU argued that this legislative milestone highlights the failure of the current regional wage-setting system under Republic Act (RA) 6727, or the Wage Rationalization Act.

They criticized the existing framework for producing small, delayed and regionally unequal wage adjustments that, in their view, favor employers more than laborers.

The labor group urged lawmakers to review and overhaul the current wage policy by repealing RA 6727 and dismantling the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards.

They reiterated their call to end the regionalization of wages and to establish a national minimum wage based on the family living wage.

KMU also called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to immediately sign the measure once it reaches his desk.

They warned that if the President vetoes the proposal, even at its modest amount, it would further expose the administration's anti-worker stance.

The group rejected what it referred to as "token reforms" and distractions, including Cabinet reshuffles, and the unfulfilled promise of P20 rice, which they said have done little to uplift the conditions of minimum wage earners.

They said the passage of House Bill 11376 proves that a legislated wage hike is possible and that the workers' struggle has forced national policymakers to act.

However, they stressed that the fight for a truly livable wage is far from over.

KMU vowed to continue launching mass protests to demand the full realization of workers' demands, including a national minimum wage of P1,200, better working conditions and full protection of labor rights.

They also committed to closely monitor the bill's progress in the Senate and to ensure its eventual implementation, saying they would not allow the measure to stall or be watered down.