FFW pushes for across-the-board wage hike in NCR

THE Federation of Free Workers (FFW) yesterday urged private sector employers in the National Capital Region (NCR) to implement an across-the-board pay increase beginning today, Wednesday.

In a statement, FFW president Sonny Matula said it would be better if employers would provide the P35 wage hike to all their employees, including those earning above the minimum wage rate.

“FFW humbly calls on all employers to implement Wage Order No. NCR-25 effectively and across the board for all employees below the managerial level,” said Matula.

“We recommend an across-the-board increase of P35 to rank-and-file and supervisory employees,” he added.

The labor leader said adopting such a policy will help avoid having to deal with wage distortion.

“Ensuring that all employees receive a wage adjustment will help maintain industrial peace, enhance productivity, and foster a positive working environment,” said Matula.

Wage distortion occurs when the differentials in wage rates between groups of employees in an establishment are drastically reduced or eliminated due to mandated wage increases.

No less than the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) earlier urged employers to address cases of wage distortion.

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) – National Capital Region (NCR) has approved an increase of P35 in the daily minimum wage rate in Metro Manila that takes effect today, Wednesday, as mandated by the National Wages and Productivity Commission.