Labor and management sectors in Negros Oriental agreed Tuesday, Sept. 3, on a P19 wage increase, which is expected to take effect in October.
The agreement was reached during a public hearing of the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board in Central Visayas led by Department of Labor and Employment Regional Director Lilia Estillore.
“This is a landmark achievement for labor and management, as they have agreed for the first time on a wage hike,” Edward Du, president of the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), said in a statement.
Du noted that management agreed to the adjustment due to Negros Oriental’s status as the poorest province in Central Visayas, as reported by the National Economic and Development authority.
The P19 hike was chosen over proposals as high as P200 from labor groups.
Estillore described the agreement as a “noble sacrifice” from both sectors to support the province’s economic growth. She praised management for taking the initiative.
The daily minimum wage in Negros Oriental currently ranges from P435 to P468 in Class A areas, P397 to P430 in Class B and P387 to P420 in Class C.
The wage hike is expected to be approved by Oct. 2 after further deliberation by the board. (Judy F. Partlow/PNA)
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Photo caption: Labor and management representatives attend the wage hike hearing at the Bethel Guest House, where both groups agreed to implement a P19 wage hike starting next month. (Photo by Edward Du)
