Nagkaisa advocates for wage hike, urging prioritization of living wage; questions NEDA

Philippines Graphic
By Philippines Graphic
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A labor coalition has challenged the cautious stand of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) on the proposed P100 wage increase pushed by labor groups.

Nagkaisa, a labor coalition composed of 42 labor federations and organizations, likewise expressed its concern regarding NEDA’s endorsement of Cha-Cha, urging a focus on upholding the 1987 Constitution’s mandate for social justice and living wages.

As the nation commemorates the 38th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, Nagkaisa stood resolute in its call for a P100 wage hike, aligning with the constitutional mandate for a living wage.

LIVING WAGE VS. INFLATION

The labor coalition asserted the necessity of a wage hike in consonance with the constitutional provision for a living wage, despite NEDA’s concerns regarding potential inflationary pressures and impacts on economic growth.

Nagkaisa raised pertinent questions about NEDA’s advocacy for charter change (Cha-Cha) as a mechanism to enhance competitiveness by removing perceived “unnecessary” restrictions.

“This stance diverges from the immediate needs of Filipino workers and undermines the urgency of addressing prevailing economic disparities,” Nagkaisa opined, stressing that “the distraction posed by the ongoing debate on charter change, underscores the imperative for tangible actions to alleviate the challenges faced by the labor force.”

ECOP, PCCI

Nagkaisa expressed disappointment in NEDA’s alignment with employer groups like the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) in consistently opposing wage hike proposals.

“This discrepancy prompts scrutiny into the prioritization of policies with potential long-term implications over immediate measures like wage increases, which directly impact the quality of life for millions of Filipinos,” the labor coalition said.

Drawing attention to the successful PHP25 wage increase in 1989 and its positive economic ramifications, Nagkaisa underscored the “compatibility of substantial wage hikes with economic growth and stability.”

The labor coalition also insisted on the necessity for equitable wage adjustments across all regions, emphasizing the Senate-approved PHP100 increase as a step forward but insufficient in meeting the living wage requirements for Filipino families.

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Started in 1927, the Philippines Graphic is the longest-running printed magazine of national circulation that provides relevant news and features and promotes Philippine literature.

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