SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – Private sector workers in the Ilocos Region will soon get a raise after the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) approved a pay increase in daily minimum wages.
The RTWPB approved Wage Order No. RB 1-22 recently which provides a P30 to P35 increase in the monthly minimum wage of private sector workers in the region effective November 6.
“After due consideration of the results of the consultations and public hearing conducted, and a thorough review and evaluation of the existing socio-economic conditions in the region, the Board unanimously agreed to adjust the prevailing daily wage rates of workers/employees in the private sector in the region to enable them to cope with the rising cost of living without impairing the viability of business and industry,” the order stated.
With this, the minimum wage will go up to P435 for workers in non-agricultural establishments with 10 or more employees.
On the other hand, wages for agricultural and non-agricultural workers working in establishments with less than 10 employees will be P402.
The RTWPB also issued Wage Order No. RB 1-DW-04 for domestic helpers commonly called “kasambahay.”
“After a thorough review and evaluation of the results of the consultations and public hearing, existing socio-economic conditions in the region, the needs of the domestic workers and their families, as well as the employer’s capacity to pay, the Board deemed it necessary to increase the prevailing minimum wage rate for domestic workers,” the order said.
The order raises the monthly minimum salary for “kasambahay” to P5,500, up by P500 from the previous level of P5,000.
This applies to all domestic workers, whether on a live-in or live-out arrangement.
The Board conducted consultations on August 15, 2023 in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur for the provinces of Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur.
For the provinces of La Union and Pangasinan, the consultation was held on August 29, 2023 in Dagupan City, Pangasinan.
A public hearing on September 12, 2023 in San Fernando City, La Union was likewise made to assess and determine the propriety of issuing these new wage orders.
Ilocos region covers the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan. BY: APRIL M. MONTES-BRAVO
