EMPLOYERS are willing to increase the minimum daily wage by P15, recognizing the current inflation rate and the need to help workers cope with the increasing cost of living.
Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) president Sergio Ortiz-Luis acknowledged the impact of inflation on the workers’ purchasing power, but cautioned against a one-size-fits-all approach.
“What I see with the computation is about P15-peso increase. That is what most employers are inclined to part. Davao wage rate recently moved. I guess we’re seeing another movement for Metro Manila by July,” Ortiz-Luis said at the sidelines of the opening of the two-day 45th National Conference of Employers held at the Manila Hotel Tuesday.
He added that the employers association is “not expecting anything more on legislated wage hike this year.”
The group cited the role of Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) in determining increases for specific regional situations.
Ortiz-Luis underscored the need for stable wage rates to encourage investments and business growth. He believed this will create a more sustainable environment for job creation in the long run.
In Metro Manila, the minimum daily wage is P610 for non-agricultural workers. For workers in agriculture, service/retail establishments with 15 or fewer employees, and manufacturing establishments with less than 10 employees, the minimum daily wage is P573.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recently held a public hearing with the RTWPB-National Capital Region (NCR) on a possible increase in the minimum wage.
