SEVEN regions in the country are already due to have their current minimum wage rates (MWRs) adjusted.
This after their current wage orders reach their respective anniversary dates of issuance, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole).
"Seven wage orders in as many regions have reached the anniversary dates of issuance," said Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz in a statement.
The seven are National Capital Region (NCR) with anniversary date on April 4; Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) on June 29; Ilocos Region on July 19; Mimaropa on July 3; Western Visayas on May 2; Eastern Visayas on March 30; and Northern Mindanao on July 3.
With the wage orders reaching anniversary dates, Baldoz said the respective Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) are now reviewing their current MWRs.
"Our Regional Wage Boards are assessing the needs of workers and their families, the capacity of employers to pay, the comparable wages and incomes across regions, and the economic development requirements in the light of prevailing socio-economic conditions in every region," Baldoz said.
To note, the current MWRs for the seven regions are P444 - P481 for NCR; P255 - P285.00 for CAR; P213.00 - P253 for Ilocos Region; P210 - P280 for Mimaropa; P256 - P298.50 for Western Visayas; P235.50 - P262 for Eastern Visayas; and P291 - P318 for Northern Mindanao.
Under the Wage Rationalization Act, there is a 12-month ban on issuing a new wage order from the most recent one unless there is a declared “supervening condition”. (HDT/Sunnex)