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P30 wage hike not enough — KMU-Cordi

BAGUIO CITY (May 5) — The militant Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU)-Cordillera slammed the “willingness” of employers to grant a P30 daily wage increase, saying it is like an insult to the workers who are asking for a just hike in their monthly salaries.

According to KMU-Cordillera Spokesperson James Tulipa, the workers demand for a P125 wage hike is based on their actual needs to feed their family. He cited that here in the Cordillera, the minimum wage of the non-agricultural industry which is P205 is very much small compared to the actual needs of a family of six to survive daily which is P600.

Tulipa added that the workers desperately need the P125 wage increase now that fuel prices keep on rising, causing the prices of basic commodities and social services to rise as well. Tulipa said that the value of workers’ wages in the region is deteriorating.

Tulipa lambasted President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for not being serious in addressing the demand for wage increase. He said that while Arroyo claims she is considering the plight of the workers, she still prioritizes the employers saying it should depend on their capabilities on giving additional wages.

Tulipa reiterated the campaign for the P125 across-the-board wage hike and the abolition of the Regional Tripartite and Productivity Board. (RTWPB). Tulipa said that this wage board only creates discontent among the workers by giving small and unjust wage increases in its host regions.

Tulipa expressed doubts over the plan of the RTWPB to hold consultations among the workers in different parts of the region saying that the workers will not be properly represented after all. According to Tulipa, the RTWPB never invited movements like unions affiliated to KMU including other organizations and unions critical of the issue of additional wages .# Aldwin Quitasol for NORDIS

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