C. Luzon workers to get P20 wage increase

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga — The Central Luzon office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced yesterday that management and labor sectors finally agreed on a P20 minimum wage hike for workers in the region.

DOLE regional director Ana Dione said Wage Order No. RBIII-09 imposing the wage adjustment is set to be issued anytime.

Employers in the region initially suggested increasing the cost-of-living allowance to P300 monthly, while workers demanded an increase of P69.50 in the daily minimum wage.

"The minimum wage rates provided in this wage order shall apply to all covered workers and employees in the private sector in Region 3 regardless of position, designation or status of employment and irrespective of the method by which their wages are paid," states the final draft of the wage order which Dione furnished The STAR.

The wage order does not cover household or domestic helpers and "persons employed in the personal service of another, including family drivers."

Dione called on private firms to solve so-called "wage distortions" that could result from the new wage hike.

"The new rate would close in the gap between the daily wage earner and those who receive a little higher and occupy more sensitive posts. This could give rise to demoralization," she said.

Once the wage hike takes effect, the minimum wage for non-agricultural workers will be P228.50 in Bulacan and P224.50 elsewhere in Central Luzon for those employed by establishments with total assets of P30 million or more, and P221.50 in Bulacan and P217 in other areas for those employed by companies with assets of less than P30 million.

In the agriculture sector, plantation workers are entitled to P194.50, and non-plantation workers, P178.50.

Workers in private hospitals with a bed capacity of 20 or more will receive a minimum wage of P215.50, while those in smaller hospitals will get P200.50.

Retail and service firms with 16 or more employees will be mandated to give a minimum wage of P213.50, and those with less workers, P199.50.

The lowest paid workers remain in the cottage and handicraft industry, with a minimum wage of P178.50.

"The minimum wage rates shall be for the normal working hours, which shall not exceed eight hours a day," the draft order states.

"All workers paid by results, including those who are paid on piecework, takay, pakyaw or task basis, shall be entitled to receive the prescribed new minimum wage per eight hours a day, or a proportion thereof for working less than eight hours," it further states.

In private educational institutions, the DOLE regional office said the share of workers and employees from the tuition in schoolyear 2001-2002 would be considered compliance with the upcoming wage order.

Private schools, which did not increase their tuition, could defer compliance until the next schoolyear.