State of the Nation’s Minimum Wages: A National Week of Action Calling for Across-the-Board Wage Increase

With the average minimum wage across the regions equating to a mere fraction of the living wages, the National Wage Coalition (NWC), representing workers across various industries and sectors, has demanded and fought time and time again for a wage increase of at least ₱150. We have proposed House Bills with provisions for an across-the-board wage increase that shall benefit all workers. What has the government done? President Bongbong Marcos instructed the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPB) to conduct a wage review. The NWC attended hearings to argue for the necessity of a significant increase, yet the RTWPB for the National Capital Region provided only a meager additional ₱35.00 for workers in the region. The Regional Wage Boards have once again proven their unreliability and irrelevance. 

The National Wage Coalition demands President Bongbong Marcos to certify as urgent the proposed legislative House Bills for across-the-board wage increases, which will enable workers to beat the ever-turbulent nature of inflation and provide them with livable wages. Once certified, the House of Representatives must act with utmost urgency. His order addressed to the RTWPB to conduct a wage review has proven a failure. The only way forward is through the legislated bills languishing in the House of Representatives.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez, the House of Representatives’ Committee on Labor and Employment has failed to address the workers demand for wage increase with urgency and genuine concern. You need not wait for the President’s directive. You have a say in determining the economic futures of our workers. It is high time that you heed and address the calls of the united Filipino workers for livable wages: prioritize and expedite the passing of the proposed House Bills 7871, 514, and 7568.   

The National Wage Coalition will keep ramping up the pressure as the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) approaches. Throughout this week, the Coalition’s constituent organizations and their respective locals and affiliates shall hold actions to call for the long-awaited across-the-board wage increase. The Coalition will push forward with our demands until all of our workers receive a much-needed and livable wage.

The Regional Wage Boards are Unreliable and Unjust!

The National Wage Coalition’s Statement on the Recently Issued Wage Increase

The new ₱35.00 wage increase for NCR workers issued by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board - National Capital Region office (RTWPB-NCR) is a disgrace. After several legislative proposals for an across-the-board wage increase, numerous actions held on the streets, and hearings with the labor sector — all with the intent to call and demand for a fair wage increase to adjust for inflation and the ever-changing value of our salaries, the RTWPB’s increase is nothing short of a heartless disregard for the economic crises faced by our workers and families.

The National Wage Coalition (NWC), which represents workers across various sectors and industries, has demanded for a wage increase no less than ₱150. Our minimum wages do not amount to liveable wages. We have presented our arguments based on factual and credible research. And yet our efforts amount to a low increase. The ₱35 increase does not even amount to measly change; it is not even sufficient for a kilo of rice. It makes up for only 30% of the lost value of wages in the NCR, which reached ₱100 according to the Consumer Price Index of May 2024. The NWC has stated before that the RTWPB-NCR has had 35 years’ worth of failure to issue fair and livable wage increases. This recent increase is no failure. It is the deliberate demonstration of the Board’s lack of empathy towards the economic needs of the working class.

With the RTWPB-NCR showing once again their unreliability and heartlessness, the National Wage Coalition demands Congress to address our calls accordingly. In light of this disrespectful and disgusting ₱35 increase by the RTWPB, Congress and the House of Representatives’ Committee on Labor must pass our proposed bills for an across-the-board increase of at least ₱150. Additionally, they must recognize the uselessness and irrelevance of the RTWPB-NCR and conduct a congressional review of our wage fixing policies under RA 6727. It is clear that such policies are insufficient and unreflective of our current economic needs. The RTWPB refuses to meet our demands, thus their existence must be challenged, questioned, and ultimately discontinued.

The National Wage Coalition urges the greater Philippine labor movement and all Filipino workers to press on with the fight for higher and fairer wages. We must act in solidarity in addressing Congress, so that they may truly understand the needs of the working class. You know the worth of your labor and more importantly, the value of your personal life and needs. And while this laughable ₱35 increase may be a setback, so long as we persevere, the fight for a higher wage continues.

Fight for freedom far from over, labor groups say

MANILA, Philippines — As the country celebrated Independence Day on Wednesday, a labor federation called on the Marcos administration to address critical issues, emphasizing the urgent need for freedom of association, job security against contractualization, and freedom from poverty wages.

According to the Nagkaisa Labor Coalition, the “spirit of freedom” that the country’s heroes fought for was not only from colonial bondage but also from poverty, ignorance and powerlessness.

“As we mark our country’s independence, let us not forget the freedom of our workers to desire for a better life and more certain future. The coalition stands for its calls for justice and equality for all workers. It’s time that the government listen to these calls and enforce meaningful reforms that mirror the true spirit of freedom,” the group said in a statement.

‘Contractualization’

Nagkaisa chair and Federation of Free Workers president Sonny Matula said that despite having the constitutional guarantee of the right to form unions, many workers in the country find themselves unable to organize.

“Other than being killed or Red-tagged, workers are not recognized as employees of the firms or enterprises they serve. Instead, they are supplied by cooperatives or manpower agencies, or are misclassified as independent contractors,” he said.

“All these strategies employed to avoid regularization are commonly called ‘contractualization.’ This systemic avoidance strips workers of their rightful benefits and job security,” Matula added.

The labor leader said many of the country’s workers are also subjected to low pay, which are “strategically kept low” by pegging them to the regional wage boards’ decisions for 35 years now.

“These boards often set wages that do not rise above the poverty threshold, ensuring that workers remain chained to poverty wages,” he added.

Higher daily pay

Matula called on the government to act decisively on the plight of workers, saying “Now we need to unshackle our workers from poverty by giving them living wages. Start with a nationwide P150 daily wage hike. Allow workers to organize unions and ensure their right to security of tenure.”

Even AGRI party list Rep. Wilbert Lee said that Filipinos’ struggle for freedom was far from over.

“While we celebrate the triumph forged by our heroes who fought and liberated us from foreign invaders, we must free Filipinos from perennial problems and sufferings,” he said in a statement.

He expressed hope that every Filipino would soon know true freedom from poverty, high cost of goods and services, corruption, injustice and social discrimination. - By: Jeannette I. Andrade, Jerome Aning - @inquirerdotnet

Labor groups press P150 wage hike

Nagkaisa chairman and Federation of Free Workers president Sonny Matula

ORGANIZED labor groups will march today, Labor Day, to Morayta Street in Manila to dramatize their call for a P150 legislated wage increase and a dialogue with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The labor groups, composed of trade union centers, labor federations and workers' organizations in both the private and public sectors, will march under the National Wage Coalition (NWC) banner.

Leading them are the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP) and Nagkaisa Labor Coalition (Nagkaisa).

"Passing the P150 wage recovery increase is only the first yet pivotal step that the Philippines should take to actualize living wages embodied in proposed legislation for a P750 daily wage increase for private sector workers and a new Salary Standardization Law (SSL) anchored on the P33,000 monthly minimum wage for public sector workers," the NWC said in a statement.

Officials from the Department of Labor and Employment will be at a meeting with the labor representatives in Malacañang, but there is no guarantee that the President will join them.

The Palace program will be from 8 a.m. to noon. The NWC said they will also hold a program in Morayta early in the morning of May 1.

The NWC stressed the need for a dialogue with the President, which is traditionally done every Labor Day celebration.

Aside from the wage hike, the labor groups want to discuss challenges regarding job security due to rampant contracting practices and the need for enhanced freedom of association.

"The lack of dialogue with the President has been a concerning pattern that can no longer be overlooked," said Sonny Matula, Nagkaisa chairman and Federation of Free Workers president. "As we observe Labor Day, it is paramount that these significant concerns are addressed directly with President Marcos to ensure the effective representation and advancement of workers' rights and welfare."

The NWC also called on Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma to facilitate a meeting with the President. - By William B. Depasupil

NATIONAL WAGE COALITION LABOR DAY MOBILIZATION: DAGDAG SAHOD ISABATAS! 150 PATAAS!

On Wednesday, 01 May 2024—Labor Day—thousands of workers from various Philippine trade union centers, labor federations, and workers' organizations will march together in solidarity to Morayta under the banner of the National Wage Coalition to send a strong message to Batasan and Malacañang: DAGDAG SAHOD ISABATAS! PHP 150 PATAAS!

Passing the ₱150 wage recovery increase is only the first yet pivotal step that the Philippines should take to actualize living wages embodied in proposed legislation for a ₱750 daily wage increase for private sector workers and a new Salary Standardization Law (SSL) anchored on the ₱33,000 monthly minimum wage for public sector workers. 

Various trade union centers, labor federations, and workers’ organizations in both the private and public sector led by the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP), and Nagkaisa Labor Coalition (Nagkaisa!) united in solidarity as the NATIONAL WAGE COALITION.

SAMA-SAMA TAYONG MAGMARTSA SA MAYO UNO!

SAMA-SAMA NATING ITAAS ANG SAHOD MO!

#labordayph2024

#MayoUno2024

NAGKAISA Labor Coalition Welcomes the Surfacing of Two Activists

In an inspiring turn of events on Holy Thursday, the NAGKAISA Labor Coalition expresses profound relief and joy over the release of labor and environmental activists Francisco "Eco" Dangla and Axielle "Jak" Tiong.

The unexpected surfacing of Eco and Jak, who had been previously reported as abducted under alarming circumstances, serves not only as a beacon of hope for the advocacy community but also as a poignant reminder of the state's indispensable obligation to protect the life and liberty of every citizen, as guaranteed by our Constitution.

Although details regarding their return to safety remain limited, the circulation of an image showing the two activists conversing with Archbishop Socrates Villegas symbolizes their current safety under the aegis of the Church. This positive outcome, however, leaves many unanswered questions, thereby underscoring the urgency for a transparent and exhaustive inquiry into their abduction and the broader spectrum of assaults on activists.

The NAGKAISA Labor Coalition wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to all individuals, the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan, and organizations that have stood in solidarity for the cause of Eco and Jak's freedom and safety. 

This incident starkly illuminates the formidable challenges that labor and environmental activists continue to confront, frequently risking their personal safety. It propels us towards a renewed commitment to upholding trade union and human rights and safeguarding those who courageously advocate for truth and justice.

Nagkaisa Advocates for Wage Hike, Urging Prioritization of Living Wage; Questions NEDA's Stance

As the nation commemorates the 38th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, the Nagkaisa Labor Coalition stands resolute in its call for a PHP100 wage increase, aligning with the constitutional mandate for a living wage, and challenging the National Economic and Development Authority's (NEDA) cautious stance.

Nagkaisa asserts the necessity of a wage hike in consonance with the constitutional provision for a living wage, despite NEDA's concerns regarding potential inflationary pressures and impacts on economic growth.

Moreover, Nagkaisa raises pertinent questions about NEDA's advocacy for charter change (Cha-Cha) as a mechanism to enhance competitiveness by removing perceived "unnecessary" restrictions. This stance diverges from the immediate needs of Filipino workers and undermines the urgency of addressing prevailing economic disparities.

Nagkaisa emphasizes the distraction posed by the ongoing debate on charter change, underscoring the imperative for tangible actions to alleviate the challenges faced by the labor force.

While NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan champions Cha-Cha as a strategy to bolster competitiveness, Nagkaisa notes the absence of such reforms in NEDA's Philippine Development Plan (PDP), which Balisacan spearheaded. Furthermore, Nagkaisa expresses disappointment in NEDA's alignment with employer groups like ECOP and PCCI in consistently opposing wage hike proposals.

This discrepancy prompts scrutiny into the prioritization of policies with potential long-term implications over immediate measures like wage increases, which directly impact the quality of life for millions of Filipinos.

Drawing attention to the successful PHP25 wage increase in 1989 and its positive economic ramifications, Nagkaisa underscores the compatibility of substantial wage hikes with economic growth and stability.

Additionally, Nagkaisa highlights the necessity for equitable wage adjustments across all regions, emphasizing the Senate-approved PHP100 increase as a step forward but insufficient in meeting the living wage requirements for Filipino families.

Nagkaisa reiterates its concern regarding NEDA's endorsement of Cha-Cha, urging a focus on upholding the 1987 Constitution's mandate for social justice and living wages.

Labor coalition pushes uniform national wage increase system

THE COUNTRY’S largest labor coalition has urged Congress to review the regional wage-setting mechanism as the Senate is set to deliberate on a bill seeking a P100 daily minimum wage increase for private sector workers.

In a statement on Sunday, Nagkaisa said many Filipino workers still live on “poverty wages” and cited the need for a uniform and single minimum wage nationwide.

“This Senate action renews hope among workers and their unions for a standardized wage increase across the country, paving the way for the potential establishment of a singular national minimum wage in the coming days,” the labor coalition said. “It highlights a pivotal concern within our present economic structure.”

Under Senate Bill No. 2534, the Wage Increase Act of 2023, workers in the private sector whether agricultural or non-agricultural would gain a P100 increase in their daily pay to ensure a “living wage” for the Filipino workforce.

Several senators sponsored the measure during a plenary session on Feb. 7, including Senate President Juan Miguel F. Zubiri, saying it would boost worker productivity.

Labor groups have said that the regional wage-setting system is failing the workers since recent hikes have not helped workers cope with the rising costs of basic goods.

“The present minimum wage law has created poverty wages for many workers,” Nagkaisa said. “All the minimum wages around the country are below the poverty threshold for a family of five.”

A Filipino family of five would need at least P13,797 a month or P460 a day to meet their basic needs, according to the Philippine Statistics  Authority.

The Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECoP) has said a legislated wage hike should also consider workers in less formal employment, noting that private sector workers only comprise 16% of the labor force.

On June 29, the National Capital Region’s RTWB approved a P40 increase in the daily minimum wage, bringing the daily minimum wage to P610 a day from P570 for those in non-agriculture sectors.

This is much lower than what the Unity for Wage Increase Now’s petition sought, a P570 increase that would bring Metro Manila’s daily minimum wage to P1,100. - By John Victor D. Ordoñez, Reporter

Senate’s chacha dance unnecessary, out of step – Nagkaisa!

Leading the charter change (chacha) dance this time is totally unnecessary and out of step for the Senate, the Nagkaisa! Labor Coalition declared in a statement, a week after Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri himself led the Senate majority in the filing of Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 (RBH 6) which aims to amend the economic provision of the 1987 Constitution through a Constituent Assembly (ConAss).

Protesting outside the Senate gates on Tuesday, Nagkaisa! members called on Zubiri to redirect his focus to the pressing demands of workers, including a wage hike, an end to labor contractualization (endo), and employment guarantees to address the chronic jobs crisis in the country. Their rallying cry: "Sahod itaas, Chacha i-atras!"

Josua Mata, Convenor of Nakakaisa! and Secretary-General of Sentro ng Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (SENTRO), expressed disappointment, stating, "SP Zubiri made significant promises to workers last year, vowing to enact a P150 across-the-board wage hike. Now, it seems he's shifting focus to cha-cha, an agenda unrelated to labor concerns."

Mata cautioned against a dubiously assembled ConAss, suggesting it could veer off course, impacting not only the economic provisions but also the political structures, catering to trapos’ (traditional politician) perpetual lust for power.

Addressing the diversionary tactics, Judy Miranda, Nagkaisa Women Committee Head and Partido Manggagawa (PM) Secretary-General, accused cha-cha proponents of diverting attention, energy, and resources from issues directly affecting 99% of Filipinos. She emphasized the urgency of prioritizing the P150 wage hike bill and creating more jobs, especially for women, over alien bids to acquire 100% land ownership and control of Philippine businesses.

Citing survey results from Pulse Asia and OCTA, Miranda underscored that over two-thirds of Filipinos are more concerned about inflation, wage hikes, and job creation than constitutional changes. She also criticized politicians for denying their complicity in maintaining poverty under a capitalist system that concentrates 90% of national wealth in the hands of the 0.1%.

Nagkaisa Chair and Federation of Free Workers (FFW) President Sonny Matula reiterated the call he made earlier that the government rather address workers' core concerns: higher wages, job security, and the freedom to organize for collective bargaining. He criticized the Charter change initiative for diverting attention and resources away from these pressing issues.

Nagkaisa! pledged to actively oppose moves to revise the Constitution, announcing plans to collaborate with broader sectors to build an anti-cha-cha movement. The group aims to present workers' agendas as a compelling counter-narrative against pro-alien and pro-dynasty arguments.