Amid inflation, DOLE eyeing CSR funds to provide non-wage perks to workers

THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) may tap the assistance of the private sector to provide nonwage benefits to workers amid the rising cost of living.

At a virtual forum on Wednesday, Labor and Employment Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma disclosed they are considering the option as labor groups complained the value of the new wage increases implemented by the regional wage boards this year were already eroded by the high inflation rate.

“We will guide foreign investors and businesses. Maybe we can network with them to tap their resources or funds from their corporate social responsibility,” Laguesma said.

He said the cooperation could translate to providing non-wage benefits to workers like free rides on trains for students, which is being provided by the government.

“We should give attention not only to wage, but also non-wage benefits.. .these should also be quantified,” Laguesma pointed out.

The labor chief issued the statement when asked about the possibility of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) issuing a second wage order this year to raise minimum wage rates.

All of the 16 wage orders have taken effect just last month.

Under the rules of the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC), the RTWPBS cannot entertain new petitions for wage increase within the 12-month period from their current wage order, except when there is a supervening condition.

A supervening condition is declared by the RTWPB and may include an extraordinary increase in prices of petroleum products and basic goods and services for an extended period.

Last Tuesday, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that inflation rate has reached 6.1 percent last month, which is the highest since November 2018. It noted the accelerating increase in inflation rate to the rise in food prices and transportation costs.