All the minimum wage earners in the Metropolitan area of Cebu City are set to receive a P13 daily salary increase once the decision of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) takes effect. The current minimum wage in Cebu City is at P340.
Due to the wage increase in Cebu City, the minimum wage earners are expected to receive an increase of P353 from the P340 minimum wage in seven cities and six municipalities of Metro Cebu.
Wage board chairperson Exequiel Sarcauga clarified that the wage hike will not cover other areas of Cebu Province, Bohol and Siquijor. The official also noted that they will send the draft wage order to the National Wages and Productivity Council (NWPC) for reveiw.
According to reports, the salary increase in Metro Cebu is expected to be implemented by October 2015. Despite the announcement of the wage increase Metro Cebu, Labor Groups, were dismayed by what they consider as a meager increase among minimum wage earners.
The chairperson of Alliance of Progressive Labor, Joe Tomongha, argued that the approved salary augmentation is much less than the P70 to P90 increase they requested.