MANILA, Philippines - Militant workers called for a P125 wage hike again on Wednesday while they staged a protest in front of the office of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP).
They also challenged President Benigno Aquino III to shop at a public market for him to know high the prices of basic commodities have soared.
"Pumunta sya sa palengke," said Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-National Capital Region head Paolo Quiza.
Employers, however, warned that 700,000 jobs will be lost if such a wage increase will be implemented. They added that even a P75 wage hike is too much for them.
They said employers can only afford to give a wage increase of P13.35.
"Alam namin pangangailangan ng aming mga empleyado, pero may mga negosyo na hirap. They will be forced to close shop," said ECOP president Edgardo Lacson.
Minimum-wage earners, meanwhile, said the P13.35 proposed increase is only enough to pay for 6 pieces of pan de sal.
They pointed out that the amount can't even buy 2 packs of instant noodles or a can of sardines.
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines said ECOP's proposed wage increase is like a slap on the face of workers.
"Parang kinantiyawan mo lang yung empleyado," said former Senator Ernesto Herrera, secretary general of TUCP.
On May 9, regional wage boards are expected to come out with their decision on the wage increase.
The boards are also studying non-wage benefits like additional allowances for employees. - Report from Zen Hernandez, ABS-CBN News; ANC
