Battle for a new wage floor

EXPECT more labor unions to file petitions to increase the minimum wage in all the regions in the country. The first petition was filed last Tuesday by Defend Jobs Philippines, demanding a P100-increase in the minimum wage across the country.

The petition was filed with the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) apparently to be able to have the same amount of minimum wage increase in all regions of the country. Unfortunately, the charter of the NWPC prescribes that minimum wage petitions should be filed with the regional wage and productivity boards. In all likelihood, the NWPC will not entertain this petition for lack of jurisdiction and/or refer it to the NWPC regional boards.