Editorial

RTWPB and wage increase

Time and again militant labor groups have been demanding for a P125 increase in the minimum wage.

Countless rallies had already been made. Not to mention the strong advocacy on the matter by some Congressmen. However, it seems that the government is unperturbed. Instead of giving a raise on the workers' salaries it has pushed on additional taxes that would ultimately kill the lowly worker. The government is bent on siding more with the employers than the workers.

Come to think of it, oils prices go up almost every week. As a result of this, prices of basic commodities also continue to jack up. But the people's salaries do not increase. With the high prices of almost everything the worker could hardly make both ends meet.

Ironically, it was reported that the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in the region is currently conducting discussions and consultations for possible wage increases in the region.

The board, reportedly, is looking into the possible impact of the impending implementation of Value Added Tax (VAT), the fuel price increase as well as fare hikes, on wage earners.

This is a good development as far as the labor sector is concerned though it appears to be already long overdue.

It is the job of the RTWPB to constantly watch over the wage situations in the region. It is quite unbelievable that it could not easily determine whether there really is a need for wage increase in the region or not.

We just hope that the consultations would not take too long. Otherwise, the wage increase, if ever granted, could no longer cope with the fast rising cost of living.