Wage hike for Soccsskargen workers takes effect May 11

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The newly-approved PHP16 to18 wage increase for private workers in Region 12 or Soccsksargen will take effect starting May 11.

Sisinio Cano, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Region 12 director, said Wednesday the new daily wage rates in the region set under Wage Order No. RB XII-20 is deemed effective after its 15-day publication period.

He said they first published the wage order on April 26, two days after getting final approval from the National Wages and Productivity Commission.

"We expect our employers to fully comply with the new wage order and give our workers their due wages," he said.

Under Wage Order No. RB XII-20, workers in the non-agriculture sector will receive an increase of PHP16 in their daily pay while those in agriculture, retail and service establishments will get an additional PHP18.

It sets the new minimum daily wage rate for non-agriculture workers to PHP311 and those working in agriculture, retail and service establishments to PHP290.

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) approved the wage adjustment last April 13 by “motu proprio” or by its own initiative following a review of the region’s socio-economic condition.

Cano said they will launch a series of monitoring and inspections among local establishments and companies in the entire region to ensure proper compliance to the wage order.

He acknowledged that there are still employers who have not fully implemented the previous wage rates.   

The official was referring to Wage Order No. RBXII-19 that took effect in October 2016 that set the minimum daily wage rate for non-agriculture workers to PHP295 and for the agriculture sector, retail and service establishments to PHP272.

"We're working on attaining 100-percent compliance that's why we're doing the inspections," Cano said.

Employers found violating the wage order and other labor regulations will be advised to make the necessary corrections, the official said. Those who remain non-compliant will face sanctions, he warned.

However, Cano said employers affected by calamities may seek exemptions from implementing the wage order for up to one year, subject to the approval of the RTWPB. (PNA)