ESTABLISHMENTS that wish to opt out of the new wage order, which started on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, may file exemption applications no later than November 30.

This is according to Lilia Estillore, regional director of the Department of Labor and Employment in Central Visayas (DOLE 7).

Estillore said in an explainer video, that small establishments operating with fewer than 10 workers, along with those certified as Barangay Micro Business Enterprises with assets under P3 million, can apply for exemptions from the wage order.

To qualify, these establishments must demonstrate compliance with the previous minimum wage: P468 for Class A, P430 for Class B, and P420 for Class C.

Additionally, she said establishments seeking exemptions must show they were affected by natural or human-induced calamities within six months prior to the new wage order's effective date.

Estillore added that if an exemption application is denied, the establishments will face penalties, including a requirement to pay their workers an interest of 1 percent under the Double Indemnity Law.

Dole 7 encourages all affected establishments to review their compliance and submit their applications promptly to avoid penalties.

The new Wage Order No. ROVII-2, implemented Central Visayas, including the Negros Island Region (NIR), increases the daily minimum wage for private sector employees by P33 to P43.

This wage adjustment aims to support workers amid rising living costs. The updated wage rates reflect the following changes:

For Class A cities and municipalities, the previous wage of P468 has risen to a new minimum wage of P501. Class A includes cities like Carcar, Cebu, Danao, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Naga, and Talisay, as well as the municipalities of Compostela, Consolacion, Cordova, Liloan, Minglanilla, and San Fernando, collectively known as Expanded Metro Cebu.

In Class B cities and municipalities, the daily wage has increased from P425 to P463. This classification encompasses cities such as Bais, Bayawan, Bogo, Canlaon, Dumaguete, Guihulngan, Tagbilaran, Tanjay, and Toledo.

For Class C municipalities, which cover areas not included in Classes A or B, the daily wage has risen from P415 to P453.(MyTVCebu)

• Tags
• #Wage Hike Exemption
• #Wage Hike
• #Department of Labor and Employment 7
• #Minimum Wage
• #Wage Increase
• #Business
• #Labor