RTWPB sets minimum wage rate for Ilocos domestic workers

by Freddie G. Lazaro, Manila Bulletin, October 5, 2016

Vigan City, Ilocos Sur – The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in has set the minimum wages for domestic workers in the Ilocos region.

Based on the Wage Order No. RB1-DW-01, which took effect on October 2, 2016, the monthly minimum wage of domestic workers in cities and first class municipalities is P3, 500 and P2, 500 for those in lower class municipalities.

Director Henry John S. Jalbuena, the RTWPB chairperson and the regional director of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the Ilocos region, said the board decided to adjust the minimum wages of domestic workers after the series of region-wide consultations and public hearings in June and July to enable them to cope with the rising cost of living.

Republic Act No. 10361 or an Act Instituting Policies for the Protection and Welfare of Domestic Workers or Batas Kasambahay which took effect on February 10, 2013, mandated a P2,500 monthly minimum wage for domestic workers in Metro Manila; P2,000 for those in cities and first class municipalities and P1,500 in other municipalities.

The law directs the Wage Boards to review and if proper, determine and adjust the minimum wage rates of domestic workers one year from its effectivity, and periodically thereafter.

Covered by the wage order are domestic workers, whether on a live-in or live-out arrangements such as but not limited to general househelp, yaya, cook, gardener, laundry person or any person who regularly performs domestic work in one household on an occupational basis.

On the other hand, service providers, family drivers, children under foster family arrangements and persons who perform work occasionally or sporadically and not on an occupational basis are excluded.

Read more at http://www.mb.com.ph/rtwpb-sets-minimum-wage-rate-for-ilocos-domestic-workers/#tl8f9QseIOel5AEq.99