ILOILO City – To discuss potential adjustments to the minimum wage for private sector workers and domestic helpers, locally known as kasambahay, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in Western Visayas has scheduled public consultations this October.
According to an advisory from the board, these consultations will take place on October 10 and 21, 2024.
The first hearing will be held at Sam’s 21 Hotel on Diversion Road, Mandurriao, Iloilo City. This session will cover the cities of Iloilo, Aklan, Capiz, Antique, and Guimaras. Discussions with private sector representatives will run from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by consultations with domestic workers from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The second public hearing is set for the Social Hall of the Negros Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City. Domestic workers will have their session from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., while the consultation for private sector employees is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. This meeting will focus on Bacolod City and Negros Occidental.
“These consultations aim to gather feedback from labor and management sectors to guide the Wage Board in determining whether wage adjustments are necessary for Western Visayas,” RTWPB-6 stated.
The current wage structure, under Wage Order No. RBVI-27, which took effect on November 16, 2023, increased the minimum daily wage by P30.
Employees in non-agricultural, industrial, and commercial sectors with over 10 workers now earn P480 per day, while those in smaller establishments receive P450.
Agricultural workers are paid P440 daily.
Meanwhile, Wage Order No. RBVI-DW-05 granted domestic workers a P500 monthly increase, raising their minimum wage from P4,500 to P5,000. This adjustment also took effect in November last year. (With a report from the Philippine News Agency)/PN
