The Congress should implement a “single nationwide minimum wage” following the issuance of wage orders by the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) that raised the issue of “wage discrimination,” according to the labor group Nagkaisa Labor Coalition.
The labor coalition released the statement following the varied minimum wage decisions in Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, and SOCCSKSARGEN. The increase amounts to P30, P40, and P35, respectively.
“The current minimum wage structure, which varies by region and sector, fails to account for the fundamental truth that all workers share common needs and responsibilities, regardless of where they live or the industry they work in,” said NLC in a statement issued on Monday.
The labor group said that the varying minimum wage in each region is a form of “wage discrimination.”
“It is unjust to perpetuate a system that treats workers differently based on their location or sector of employment,” NLC added.
As a result, NLC called on Congress to take action in establishing a “single nationwide minimum wage” that would ensure all workers will receive “equitable wage” that reflects the daily cost of living.
According to NLC, a single nationwide minimum wage “will simplify implementation, promote compliance, and eliminate confusion and evasion caused by varying wage orders.”
In a statement issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the wage order in Regions 2, 3, and 12 will take effect on October 16.
Meanwhile, the RTWPBs in Region 2 and 12 have granted a P500 monthly increase in the wages of domestic workers.
