The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) has condemned a petition filed before the Pasig City Regional Trial Court (RTC) seeking to suspend the implementation of the P85 daily minimum wage increase for workers in Metro Manila.
The petition was filed by Readycon Trading and Construction Corporation and R-11 Builders Inc., prompting the TUCP to accuse the two employers of attempting to deprive workers of a long-awaited wage increase.
House Deputy Speaker Raymond Democrito Mendoza, who represents the TUCP party-list, described the petition as “the height of corporate greed, desperation, and utter indifference to the daily suffering of Filipino workers.”
The labor group said workers are already receiving only a modest wage increase, which is being implemented in installments, yet even the initial P60 increase is now being challenged in court.
“Kasuklam-suklam na baryahan na nga ang ipinagkaloob sa manggagawa, hulugan pa, at dinala pa sa kasuhan. Ang unang ₱60 na dapat nasa bulsa na ng ating mga manggagawa ngayong buwan ay gusto pang bawiin sa pamamagitan ng korte, samantalang ang natitirang ₱25 ay pinaghihintay pa sila hanggang sa susunod na taon. Hindi dapat tumigil ang umento at mundo ng bawat manggagawa at ordinaryong Pilipino dahil ng dalawang employer na malinaw na walang pakialam sa kanilang empleyado,” the TUCP said.
The group said workers should not be deprived of a wage increase because of the actions of two employers that it accused of showing disregard for their employees.
The TUCP urged the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) and the National Capital Region Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (NCR-RTWPB) to vigorously defend the validity of Wage Order No. 27 and assert their authority to determine and set minimum wage rates.
It also called on workers, labor organizations and social justice advocates to remain vigilant and united in defending Wage Order No. 27 and the integrity of the country's wage determination system.
“Workers have already waited far too long for this measly wage increase. It is grossly inadequate, it is staggered, and it falls far short of what families need to survive. Yet even this little relief is now being challenged in court,” the TUCP said.
“We will not allow the rights and dignity of Filipino workers to become casualties of corporate greed and legal maneuvering. The law, social justice, and basic decency are on the side of labor,” it added.
