Gov't workers seek pay hike over additional allowances

The Confederation of Independent Unions in the Public Sector has assailed House Bill 5013, which if signed into law will give additional allowances to government employees, saying this is not the answer to the clamor of government workers.

Emako Mercedita Naldoza, chairperson of CIU, said that though government workers have taken the giving of additional allowances as a welcome development, she emphasized the need for an increase in salaries.

CIU is the umbrella organization of government employees of national government agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations, local government units and state colleges and universities.

Records show that the latest salary increase received by the government workers was in 2001 during the Estrada administration.

"Government employees have waited so long and are continuously working hard to help the government achieve its goal of public service, why not give the employees what is due them for all the contributions they have shared," Naldoza said in a press statement.

Naldoza also cited that the bill limits the grant of additional allowance to LGUs subject to availability of funds; adding that Congress should have waived the personal services limitations so that workers will enjoy what they will receive.

"If the Arroyo administration is really concerned with the welfare of government employees, it should grant the approval of House Bill 4292 sponsored by the Akbayan party-list representatives that gives P3,500 across-the-board salary increase to government workers and the enactment of the P125 wage increase for private sector employees," Naldoza said. - Gregg M. Rubio