The Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board 7 yesterday approved a P22 across-the-board increase in the minimum daily wage in Central Visayas, that consists of the provinces of Negros Oriental, Bohol, Cebu, and Siquijor.

The wage increase brings to P297 from 275 the minimum daily wage for workers in Negros Oriental.

Department of Labor and Employment Region 7 director Gloria Tango said the increase was agreed upon between the management and labor representatives in the wage board.

Tango, who also chairs the RTWPB 7, said the increase was adopted by the wage board without putting it to a vote.

Tango said the board still has to issue a wage order that will become effective upon its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

“Across-the-board” means all the workers from the highest to the lowest ranks, regardless of the length of service will receive the same amount of increase.

Earlier, two labor groups filed separate petitions for wage increases that were quickly opposed by business groups.

The Associated Labor Unions ALU sought a P90 across-the-board wage increase to help workers cope with the skyrocketing prices of commodities, while the Alliance of Progressive Labor petitioned for a P121.84 across-the-board daily wage adjustment to restore the purchasing power of the workers to the 1989 level.*PNA

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