Labor leader disappointed over ‘sinsilyo’ wage increase

A CEBU-BASED labor leader has expressed deep disappointment over the recent wage increase announced by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB 7), describing it as inadequate amidst the region's economic growth.

Jaime Paglinawan, chair of Alyansa sa mga Mamumuo sa Sugbo-Kilusang Mayo Uno, criticized the newly approved wage hike, saying it amounted to nothing more than "sinsilyo" or loose change.

In an interview with MyTV Cebu on Wednesday, September 17, Paglinawan said that the minimal adjustment does little to address the ongoing struggles of workers, particularly in the face of escalating commodity prices.

Paglinawan believes that the business sector in Central Visayas, which he said has profited significantly from the region's robust economy, has the capacity to implement a more "reasonable" increase.

He pointed out that Central Visayas, the fastest-growing economy in the country with a seven point three percent growth rate in 2023, boasts a Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) of P1.38 trillion, driven largely by the services sector.

Despite this economic prosperity, he said workers have not seen a corresponding improvement in their wages. Paglinawan emphasized that the current wage hike does not reflect the region’s economic reality, leaving workers struggling to meet basic needs.

The new wage order, set to take effect on October 2, will raise daily wages by P33 to P43.

In Class A areas, including major cities such as Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, and Talisay, the minimum wage will increase to P501 per day, up from the previous range of P458 to P468.

For Class B areas like Dumaguete, Tagbilaran, Bais, and Toledo, the daily wage will be adjusted to P463. Workers in Class C municipalities will see their wages rise to P453 per day.

In their order, RTWPB 7 introduced this wage hike to help workers cope with inflation and the rising cost of living.

However, Paglinawan argued that the increase is insufficient, saying that it barely covers the basic necessities for a family.

While the wage adjustment is expected to directly benefit around 1.2 million minimum wage earners in Central Visayas, labor advocates continue to call for more substantial increases, insisting that workers deserve a larger share of the region's economic success.(MyTVCebu)

• Tags
• #Wage Increase
• #Minimum Wage
• #Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board 7
• #Jaime Paglinawan
• #Sinsilyo
• #Central Visayas