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Cordillera workers reiterate P125 wage hike

BAGUIO CITY (April 21) — Workers in the Cordillera region reiterated their call for a P125 across the board, nationwide wage increase amid government claims that such a move is not possible.

In a statement, the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU)-Cordillera claimed that wages have been nailed down to the lowest level. Minimum wages in the region remain at P205, including cost of living allowance (COLA). The National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWCP) reports meanwhile that at least P600 is needed for a family of 6 to survive daily.

KMU slammed government’s claim that wage hikes will cause massive job dislocation and closure of small businesses. KMU argued that 36% of business establishments closed due to the absence of markets for their products and competition from bigger businesses.

According to the government, workers’ minimum wages in the country are actually higher than those in China and other neighboring countries.

“This may be true, but the cost of living here is more expensive, which necessitates higher wages”, said Nida Tundagui of KMU-Cordillera.

KMU asserted that poor workers deserve a wage hike to help them cope with the rising cost of living. # ATB for NORDIS

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