The General Alliance of Workers Assn.(GAWA) expresses deep dismay over the Regional Wage Board – Western Visayas’ decision to dismiss the petition for wage increase of all workers in the private sector in the region.
Wennie Sancho, secretary general of GAWA, asserted in a press release that the dismissal of the P250 per day wage hike filed by the United Panay Labor Alliance on the grounds of a technicality is premature, “it is like using procedural moves to avoid a decision. It means that the wage petition was dismissed without evaluating the merit of the petition. This is an injustice for the minimum wage workers because they were not included in any financial aid or ayuda. By denying their petition for wage increase amidst the worsening economic conditions is adding insult to injury.”
Moreover, it is an injustice to the workers who are the primary social economic force as stated in the 1987 Philippine Constitution. To deny relief on procedural grounds while workers continue to struggle with the rising cost of food, transport, electricity and basic services is to betray the very purpose of the wage-setting process. The wage board is trying to prolong the agony of the workers, the statement said.
Sancho said the Board’s mandate is to insure just and fair wages that reflect the needs of the workers and the economic realities of the region. By hiding behind technicalities the Board undermines trust in the Tripartite system and sends the message that workers welfare is secondary to form over substance.
“GAWA calls on the Regional Wage Board in Western Visayas to reconsider its decision to prioritize substance over technicality and open the process to genuine consultation with workers. A just wage is not a favor, it is a constitutional right and a demand of equity. We stand with all the workers in Western Visayas. We will continue to organize, mobilize and push for a wage policy that upholds the honor and dignity of every worker,” he added.*
