Workers hold ‘payday’ protest

MANILA, Philippines — Workers staged a so-called “payday” protest yesterday in front of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) central office in Manila.

Members of labor organizations belonging to the Unity for Wage Increase Now (UWIN) urged Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma to take immediate action on workers’ call for salary increase.

“We appeal to Secretary Laguesma to instruct the Regional Wage Boards to issue a wage increase,” UWIN spokesman Charlie Arevalo said.

Arevalo said a salary increase is necessary for workers to maintain their purchasing power amid the soaring prices of essential commodities and services.

Last week, the group filed a petition for an increase of P530 from the current P570 daily minimum wage in Metro Manila.

Workers also asked the DOLE to support two wage bills pending before Congress.