No wage hike on Labor Day – DOLE

MANILA, Philippines – There will be no pay hike for workers on Labor Day.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) yesterday ruled out the possibility of granting salary increases within the next two weeks.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said the wage board must follow procedures in resolving a petition for salary hike. 

“Based on the process, the wage board will have to issue notice of hearing and they may not be able to come out with a decision on or before May 1,” Baldoz said.

She said conducting a public hearing in resolving a petition for salary increase is required by law.

Baldoz said representatives of DOLE, Department of Trade and Industry, National Economic and Development Authority and employers would decide the petition.

“If ever the board decides to grant a petition for wage increase, it would probably be after Labor Day,” she said.

Baldoz ordered the National Wages and Productivity Commission and Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) to hasten the process and come out with a decision by May.

There are two pending petitions for salary increase filed before the RTWPB in the National Capital Region.

Meanwhile, Baldoz said they have yet to receive a copy of a Supreme Court order requiring the department to comment on a petition to implement a national minimum wage and close down all RTWPBs.

She said it is unlikely to enforce a fixed minimum wage because of the different socio-economic conditions in the country’s 17 regions.

Baldoz said only Congress could change the current regional minimum wage.