BACOLOD CITY -- An increase in the salary of “kasambahay” or household helpers in Western Visayas is being considered by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB)-6 this October.
Wennie Sancho, labor sector representative to the RTWPB-6, said Thursday public hearings will be held in Iloilo City and Bacolod City on October 16 and 24, respectively, on the proposed PHP800 wage increase.
Sancho said the proposed amount may still increase or decrease depending on the result of the deliberation of the Board.
Based on the last wage order issued on February 2015, a "kasambahay" in cities and first-class municipalities should receive PHP2,500 while those in other towns should get PHP2,000 per month.
Republic Act No. 10361, or the Domestic Workers Act or Batas Kasambahay also provides that “kasambahays” are entitled to a 13th month pay.
Non-payment of 13th month pay is a violation of labor standards, and erring employers may face administrative charges and corresponding penalties.
Last year, reports from the United Domestic Workers in the Philippines showed that about 50 percent of almost two million house helpers in the country are not receiving their 13th month pay.
Moreover, Sancho said the RTWPB-6 will send survey forms to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) including cities and municipalities in the region to gather information on the status of “kasambahay” in every locality.
He noted that this is in response to the failure of local government units (LGUs) to implement the "kasambahay" registration.
Under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular 2013-61 issued on July 2013, all barangays are directed to establish desks for “kasambahay” registration. (PNA)
