The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) Lauds the First Hearing on Wage Increase in the National Capital Region; Calls for Prompt Action from Other RTWPB Regions and Endorses P150 Legislative Proposal
The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) welcomes the first hearing on wage increase taking place in the National Capital Region (NCR).
“As advocates for workers’ rights to living wage, this initiative signals a positive stride towards economic justice as the workers have been left behind for many years,” said Atty. Sonny Matula, FFW president.
Matula added: “While this is positive and promising development in the NCR, we strongly urge other Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPB) across the nation to follow suit. Accelerated promulgation of new wage increases in their regions of jurisdiction is of the utmost importance. FFW firmly believes that fair wage policies towards living wage must be a national priority to uplift the lives of our working people.”
The FFW further stressed that it is steadfast in its support for the P150 legislative proposal championed by Senator Migs Zubiri and Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) party-list Representative Raymond Mendoza in the Senate and the House, respectively.
“This proposal, which aims to implement a nationwide wage increase, would ensure that every worker in the country receives an initial fair wage toward living wage. We believe this legislation is a crucial step towards nationwide economic fairness and stability,” Matula said.
The FFW called upon all workers to consider forming or joining unions. “Unionization is a powerful tool that allows workers to negotiate for higher wages and better working conditions in their workplaces. The collective bargaining power of a union can greatly strengthen workers’ positions in negotiations, and we strongly believe that every worker deserves the opportunity to be part of such a supportive and empowering community.”
The FFW said it will continue to stand by workers and their right to a fair and decent wage. “We encourage all related agencies and workers to push forward with the fight for economic justice. Together, we can build a nation where every worker is adequately compensated for their valuable contributions.”
