ILOILO City – Wage subsidy would be a big help to laborers, according to militant and labor groups in Panay Island.
However, the proposed P25 pandemic relief allowance is small change, according to Bryan Bosque, deputy spokesperson of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) Panay.
The labor and other sectors have been demanding for wage subsidy, along with additional social amelioration programs, agricultural production subsidies, and other cash aid for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
“Ginakalipay naton nga ginakonsiderar sang gobyerno ang aton mga proposals apang tuman sa gihapon ka layo ang ila gintalana nga wage subsidy sa ginapangayo sang aton mga mamumugon. Kun aton tan-awon ang P25 nga ginaproponer nga wage subsidy limos lamang kumpara sa P100 nga panawagan sang mamumugon,” said Bosque.
According to Bosque, through the Bayanihan to Arise as One Act (Bayanihan 3), laborers are demanding for a P100 daily wage subsidy, P10,000 cash aid and P15,000 agricultural support subsidy.
Bosque said they are challenging the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to stand with the laborers by granting the P100 daily wage subsidy.
“Sa sini lamang nga pamaagi mahatagan sang alibyo ang mamumugon nga gin-igo sang ‘no work, no pay’ subong man sang nagtimbuok nga presyo sang balaklon. Dugang man ini nga purchasing power sa ila agud liwat mapaandar ang ekonomiya,” Bosque stressed.
He added: “Mangin wala sang pulos nga ginbuksan liwat ang mga negosyo kun indi man lang sa gihapon masarangan sang pumuluyo ang mahal nga balaklon,” he added.
Bosque urged the labor sector to stand by their demands as these are anchored on their needs.
To recall, Iloilo Business Club (IBC) executive director Lea Lara said they were submitting a position paper to the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) regarding the relief allowance.
Labor sector representative Wennie Sancho, meanwhile, also said they passed a resolution during a virtual meeting to proceed with the review motu proprio in response to the workers’ manifestation for a Pandemic Emergency Relief Allowance (PERA) of P25 per day.
“It is a welcome development, but there is a need to expedite the process amid the worsening pandemic. The labor sector is hoping they will not be outvoted in the final deliberation,” Sancho said.
In response to the board’s query, the National Wages and Productivity Commission instructed the RTWPB to review the existing socioeconomic conditions if these warrant a review for salary determination.
In Western Visayas, the minimum wage rate is P310 to P395 per day, depending on the industry classification as provided under Wage Order 25, which already lapsed in November last year.
Sancho said factors considered were the ramifications of the pandemic and restrictions that resulted in increased unemployment and underemployment.
Also noted was the implementation of flexible working arrangements.
Sancho said the deterioration of the workers’ purchasing power justifies the need for immediate economic relief such as the PERA.
“The amount to be restored in the purchasing power of the workers is P90 per day, but labor is asking for P25 per day which is only 38 percent of P90,” he added.
Sancho, who sits as the secretary-general of the Negros-based General Alliance of Workers Associations, pointed out that the rising cost of living, as shown in the increase in prices of basic goods and services, is the main reason for the workers’ demand for another round of wage increase. (with a report from PNA/PN)
