Labor Day is non-working day, but not for RWB members
May 1, Labor Day, is a non-working day.
But not for members of the Regional Wage Boards (RWBs), not this year at least.
Underscoring the need for "setting up new wage levels," President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo instructed today the RWBs to work overtime to reach a decision on the new wage levels in their respective regions.
Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio R. Bunye said the President issued her directive to Labor Secretary Marianito Roque to ensure that the RWBs get cracking on the wage issue "even if it means they have to work on May 1, a non-working day for the rest of the country."
Earlier, Roque said that officials of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will meet on Friday "to discuss the means on how we can fast-track the wage discussions and deliberations."
But the President, apparently worried that the RWBs won't be able to come up with agreements by Labor Day, said they must continue working on proposed new wage levels through May 1.
"The President reminded the Regional Wage Boards of the urgency of setting new wage levels, taking into account the rising cost of commodity prices," Bunye said.
The President has also called on private firms to extend to their employees non-wage benefits like rice, canned goods and shuttle service as a way of augmenting their take-home pay in the face of rising prices of basic commodities. (PNA)