New wage hike guidelines for R-XI released

DAVAO CITY, June 4 (PIA) The Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board in Davao Region announced that effective June 1, 2014 all private sector minimum wage earners shall receive a pay increase at P11.00 per day and integration in the basic wage the Cost of Living Allowance at P15.00 mandated under Wage Order No. RB XI-17. 

Atty. Joffrey Suyao, director of the Department of Labor and Employment 11 and chair of the RTWPB 11 said the new wage hike is based on the full implementation of the Wage Order No. RB XI-18 issued on May 7, 2014.

He said the wage order also mandates an additional COLA at P5.00 per day effective December 1, 2014.

Upon the effectivity of the new wage order the non-agriculture sector follows the new minimum wage at P312/ day while the agriculture sector receives P302/ day.

Retail and service industry employing more than 10 workers will abide with the P312 new minimum wage while those employing not more than 10 workers follow the new minimum wage at P281.

Suyao also said that effective December 1, 2014,  a P5.00 COLA is added per day on the minimum wage consequently increasing the new minimum wage from P312 to P  317 in non-agricultural sector, P307 in agricultural sector, P317 in retail service with more than 10 employees and P286 for those with not more than 10 employees.

“The prescribed wage rates under this Wage Order shall apply to all workers and employees in the private sector receiving the minimum wage in Davao Region, regardless of position, designation, or status of employment and irrespective of the method by which the wages are paid,” he said.

Suyao stressed that any person corporation, trust or firm, partnership, association or entity which refuses or fail to pay the prescribed wage rates in accordance wit the new wage order shall be subject to the penal provisions under RA 6727 as amended by RA 8188.

The New Wage Order also excludes domestic workers covered by the Batas Kasambahay, family drivers, persons employed in the personal service of another and workers of establishments registered under the Barangay Micro Business Enterprises Law under Republic Act 9178.   (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)