Workers call for wage increase, not reduction of workdays

Three administration solons from the House of Representatives yesterday filed a resolution for a 4-day workweek to supposedly generate savings amid the current energy and economic crisis.  

Elmer Labog, KMU Chairperson, said that “this proposal does not zero in on the main problem of the public employees and private  workers, which is the outrageously low wages. Four-day workweek may alleviate energy conservation problem but is inconsequential vis-a-vis the crippling economic misery suffered by ordinary  government employees and workers.” 

Lito Ustarez, KMU Vice Chairperson, said that “so far the government has come out with solutions all not the asking of workers and trade unions. Whereas the workers persistently ask for a legislated P125 across- the- board, across-the-country wage increase, the government stubbornly insists on regional wage boards giving insulting measly increases.  

“Whereas the workers ask for the removal of VAT on oil, the beleaguered government willfully opted to ‘return’ the billions of taxes through worthless short term subsidies and long term ‘pogi point’ schemes.”  

DOLE slammed for shutting doors on wage hikeYesterday, the Secretary of Labor categorically stated that with the recent June wage increase mandated by the regional wage boards there shall be no second wage increase for the same year. “He must be waiting for an actual workers’ upheaval before the so-called supervening event is accepted,” uttered Ustarez.  

Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines has finally urged the government to review the VAT on oil.  Other influential sectors have also warned the GMA government of people’s rising discontent unless major economic solutions are put in place.  

“The workers desperately need substantial wage increase not reduction of workdays,” concluded Labog.