P10-15 wage hike is all employers can afford

Employers can only afford a P10-15 increase in the salary of their workers, a meager amount compared to the P100-a-day asked for by labor groups.

This was found out in the first of a series of consultations facilitated by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) held at the Residence Hotel here Friday morning.

The management group explained that the increase in fuel prices has brought problems not just to the workers, but to the employers as well. It stressed that under the prevailing economic situation, what is important is the preservation of jobs, not an increase in the salary of workers that could lead to the closure of companies.

The employers claimed that three big companies in Negros Occidental already closed shop because of losses they incurred as a result of fuel increases.

Moreover, the management sector claimed that the P125-a-day wage increase demand can only be granted by those companies that are earning well.

"Let us talk with each other realistically and find a solution that can help solve and help us survive this crisis," one of the employers said.

On the other hand, the labor sector represented by Zaldy Yebra of the Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP) criticized the consultation as he noted that not even half of what they were asking was given them. He expressed belief the RTWPB is applying a divide and rule tactic in making a decision.

Yebra and his group called for the abolition of the RTWPB instead.

The first consultation was attended by employees and labor groups from Iloilo and Guimaras. The consultation for Roxas City, Capiz will be on May 23 and Kalibo and Aklan on May 24. A public hearing is scheduled on May 30 in Bacolod City.

The RTWPB said the result of the consultations would probably be out sometime in June. PNA