By Leslie Ann Aquino
Amid the increases in the prices of food and services caused by the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) is mulling to file wage increase petitions.
Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP WEBSITE / MANILA BULLETIN)
TUCP President Raymond Mendoza said they might file a minimum of P313 to a maximum of P355 wage increase petition based on the current prices of commodities and services.
"We will be citing supervening conditions in filing the petitions. We are also going to test once again the capacity of the wage boards to remain relevant with its mandate to raise the minimum wage to an amount that can ably support a family,” he said in a statement.
To note, the 17 wage boards in different regions have adjusted the minimum wage rates from P8.50 to P56 daily wage increases in different periods last year including Metro Manila on November 2018 with P25 daily wage hike.
However, TUCP said despite the adjustments, current minimum wage levels remains inadequate for workers and their families live decent lives.
Under the Wage Rationalization Law, wage boards may adjust wage rates if there are supervening conditions affecting the capacity of workers to cope with inflation, even if it falls within the 12-month prohibited period from the last wage order issued.