DOLE: Kasambahay minimum wage is P3K

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Labor and Employment has reiterated the minimum wage of kasambahay or domestic workers in Central Visayas should be P3,000 per month.

The existing minimum wage rates of domestic workers in Region 7 have been adjusted pursuant to a wage order, which took effect last April 13.

The wage order provides the new monthly minimum wage rates should be P3,000 for kasambahay working in the cities and all first class municipalities in the region.

While those domestic workers rendering household services in other municipalities should be given P2,500 minimum wage per month.

Under Republic Act No. 10361 otherwise known as an Act Instituting Policies for the Protection and Welfare of Domestic Workers or Batas Kasambahay, the previous minimum wages rates of domestic workers were set at P2,000 for those working in the cities and first class municipalities and P1,500 for domestic workers based in other municipalities.

The increase, according DOLE Regional Head Elias Cayanong, shall apply to all domestic workers whether on a live-in or live-out arrangement covering those whose functions would involve general house help; yaya; cook; gardener; laundry person; and any person who regularly performs domestic work in one household on an occupational basis.

Cayanong also sits as the chair of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB-7).

He noted that not covered by the provisions of the wage order are the service providers; family drivers; children under foster family arrangement; and any other person who performs domestic work occasionally or separately and not on an occupational basis.

“In the case of hiring or contracting of domestic workers through licensed private employment agencies, the wage rates prescribed in the order shall be borne by the principals or clients of the PEAs and the contract shall be deemed amended accordingly,” he said.

In cases where the client fails to pay the prescribed wage rates, he said the PEAs shall be jointly and severally liable with the client.

PEA refers to any individual, partnership, corporation or entity licensed by DOEL to engage in the recruitment and placement of kasambahay for local employment.

Complaints for non-compliance with the provisions of the wage order should be filed before DOLE's regional or provincial offices and  the same would go through the 30-day mandatory conciliation proceedings under the agency's Single Entry Approach (SEnA) program.

It can be recalled the RTWPB-7 conducted three wage consultations and two public hearings in order to determine the propriety of issuing a new wage order for domestic workers in the region. (FREEMAN)