The Church People-Workers Solidarity (CWS) on Wednesday, June 1, described the measly wage increases as an insult to workers.

"CWS reiterates the sentiment of workers that these measly wage increases are an insult to the workers," the group said in a statement.
It added that the latest increases could not even mitigate the impact of surging fuel prices and could not keep up with the price inflation of basic commodities.
"In fact, the meager wage increase would be tantamount to nothing with the imposition of additional taxes proposed the new administration," said CWS.
The group said “just wage” or “living wage” is fundamental to Catholic Social Teaching for it is closely linked to human dignity.
"People have legitimate claim based on their dignity to those essential material goods that meet basic needs for food, clothing, shelter, health, education, security, and rest," CWS said.
That's why the group said they fully support the P750 national minimum wage demanded by labor groups.
"Consequently, CWS believes that instead of overburdening the poor with additional taxes, the Marcos administration should instead tax the super-rich. A wealth tax for the billionaires will generate at least P467.1B annually, according to IBON Foundation," said CWS.
Earlier, the Labor deparment approved a P25 hike for minimum wage in Northern Mindanao, P33 in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Western Visayas, P32 in region XII, P31 in Central Visayas, and P35 in region IVB.