No wage increase for Calabarzon, Mimaropa workers

MANILA, Philippines – Workers from Central Luzon, Calabarzon and Mimaropa are unlikely to get the much-awaited salary increase this year.

The National Wages and Productivity Commission yesterday reported that the wage boards in the two regions set public hearings and likely to come out with a decision on pending salary hike adjustments early next year.

The wage board in Calabarzon, which comprises the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon set a series of public hearings from Oct. 8 to Nov. 23.

The Mimaropa region composed of Mindoro Oriental, Mindoro Occidental, Masbate, Romblon and Palawan as well as Central Luzon wage board are still finalizing the dates of public hearings.

Ricardo Martinez Jr., Calabarzon regional director, said after the hearings, the wage boards are required to render within 45 days a decision on the wage hike petitions.

“We are inviting concerned and interested parties to attend the hearings to enable the wage boards to assess the two regions’ economic and wage conditions.

Last April, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) filed formal petitions seeking P75 across-the-board pay hike for workers in Central Luzon and Calabarzon. –Mayen Jaymalin (The Philippine Star)