Ben Madilynn
ON THE heels of the increase in the Social Security System (SSS) premium rate and the impending hike in LRT-1 fares, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) Saturday, January 11, 2025, revived its call for the passage of a P150 across-the-board daily wage hike.
In a statement, the TUCP urged lawmakers to immediately pass the P150 across-the-board daily wage hike for all workers in the private sector.
“Everything is going up—food prices, utility bills, SSS contributions, and now even train fares—everything except workers’ wages,” said the TUCP.
“A P150 legislated wage hike is a lifeline for Filipino workers and their families. This will ensure they can afford not only decent meals but also a dignified life to secure their future,” the group added.
The labor group said the wage orders issued by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) are insufficient to provide decent wages.
“The small increases in the regional minimum wages are not enough to make ends meet. These regional wage board orders fail to realistically lift the regional minimum wages,” said the TUCP.
Failure to pass the proposed legislated wage hike, it added, will cause more workers and their families to fall into poverty.
“Without a P150 wage hike, those at risk of becoming poor or who are already on the edge of poverty will fall through the cracks amid these price and fare hikes,” the TUCP said.
Beginning this month, the scheduled increase in the contributions of SSS members and employers, of up to 15 percent, took effect.
Meanwhile, the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) is seeking an additional fare increase of up to P15. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)
