• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
The officers and members of the General Alliance of Workers Association (GAWA), an alliance of labor groups in Bacolod City, represented by its secretary general Wennie Sancho, appealed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to expedite the implications of the P200 legislated wage hike.
According to a press release, in a letter to the President dated July 3, Sancho said the legislated wage hike has been long overdue and its implementation crucial to provide relief to the workers who have been struggling to make ends meet. The delay will only exacerbate the already precarious living conditions of workers pushing them further into poverty and dent.
“The government’s concern about potential unemployment is understandable, but it should not come at the expense of workers welfare. Instead of delaying the wage hike, we propose that the government implement measures to support businesses and industries that may be affected such as providing subsidies or tax breaks,” he said.
Workers are not just statistics or economic units, they are human beings with families to feed, debts to pay and dreams to pursue. The delay in the wage hike will have a devastating impact on their lives. The struggle for wage increase is not just a struggle about numbers, it’s about dignity, respect and ensuring that their labor is fairly compensated, Sancho said.
Everyday that passes without a wage hike, is a day that workers are forced to endure hardship and uncertainty. They are the backbone of our economy, working tirelessly to the nation’s growth and development. Yet, they are denied a fair share in the fruits of their labor, the labor advocate said in his statement.
“We urge the President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., to prioritize the welfare of the workers and expedite the implementation of the legislated wage hike. This is not just a matter of economic policy, it is a matter of human dignity and social justice. We appeal to your conscience to consider the plight of the workers and their families. A wage hike is not a handout, it is a recognition of the value and worth of workers’ contribution to our economy and society,” Sancho said.
By implementing the legislated wage hike, your administration can help create a brighter future for all Filipinos. It will boost economic growth, increase consumer spending and promote social justice. We are confident that with your leadership, we can build a more equitable and prosperous society where workers can live with dignity and respect, he said.
“We look forward to your prompt action on this matter and hope that you will prioritize the welfare of the workers in your decision-making process,” the statement added.*
