THE Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) yesterday slammed the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) over their prolonged review of existing wage rates even as the inflation rate continues to soar.
In a statement, TUCP said regional wage boards should show a sense of urgency.
“Wage boards have been studying the minimum wage amid skyrocketing prices of commodities for too long,” TUCP said. “Now is the time for urgency and dispatch towards an immediate intervention to save our workers from the vicious cycle of poverty and hunger.”
The labor group said the continuous rise of the inflation rate calls for immediate action.
“Considering the difficult predicaments we are all in, we urge the wage boards to immediately convene, and for the tripartite discussion to begin as soon as possible,” it said.
“Wage boards can and must act on this matter right away –motu proprio.”
The group said the RTWPBs may also look beyond issuing an order increasing floor wages.
“We believe that the government, employers, and workers are long ready to discuss the wage review towards coming up with innovative solutions,” it said.
“(They may consider) non-wage benefits in the form of emergency cash assistance and food subsidies, and temporary wage increase until inflation stabilizes to the target 4% to 5% inflation rate,” it added.
