KMU reiterates P125 legislated wage increase, across-the-board, across-the-country in one grant within a year

THE militant Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) today reiterated that it is still pushing HB 345, a bill sponsored by Anakpawis Rep. Crispin 'Ka Bel' Beltran for a P125 wage hike across-the-board, across-the-country.

" While we appreciate the bill which was passed in seconding reading yesterday that will give a P125 wage increase in three installments, we will be very glad if it will be in one grant within a year. Three years is too long for the P125 wage increase be given for workers in staggered basis. In the first place, our demand is very urgent and aims an immediate economic relief for Filipino workers," KMU Spokesperson Prestoline Suyat said.

Suyat also registered that for the legislated wage increase be felt by the Filipino workers, it must not only be granted to minimum wage earners.

" Our position and demand is very clear. Any legislated wage increase must be across-the-board and across-the-country. Workers in the rank and file who are receiving below minimum wage up to managerial positions must be granted P125 wage increase. This is understandable since all workers in the country and their families are suffering from hardships brought by the worsening economic crisis," Suyat stressed.

The spokesperson of the militant labor center also said that workers under KMU will again stage a picket at the House of Representatives and lobby for the passage of HB 345 in third reading next week before Congress adhourns for recess.