Northern Mindanao workers get pay hike

THE Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) reminded Wednesday private employers in the Northern Mindanao of the approved wage increase for their workers.

In a statement, the Dole said that the increased wage rates are already effective since July 16 as provided by Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) - Region 10 Wage Order no. 19.

“Starting July 16, 2017, the new wage order prescribes the following wage increase in the region: P15 for Wage Category I; P13 for Wage Category II; P10 for Wage Category III; and P8.00 for Wage Category IV,” said the Dole.

Covered by the Wage Category I are the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, and the municipalities of Tagoloan, Villanueva, and Jasaan.

The new minimum wage rate in Wage Category I is P333 for non-agriculture workers and P321 for agriculture workers.

Wage Category II covers the cities of Malaybalay, Valencia, Gingoog, El Salvador and Ozamiz, and the municipalities of Opol, Maramag, Quezon, and Manolo Fortich.

The minimum wage in Wage Category II is P326 for non-agriculture workers and P314 for agriculture workers.

Wage Category III covers the cities of Oroquieta and Tangub and the municipalities of Lugait, Laguindingan and Mambajao.

The minimum wage in the Wage Category III is P318 in the non-agriculture sector and P306 in the agriculture sector.

Under Wage Category IV, which includes all other areas not covered under the above categories and all retail and service establishments employing not more than 10 workers, the new minimum wage is at P311 in the non-agriculture sector and P299 in the agriculture sector.

In all wage categories, Dole also said their P5 Cost of Living Allowance (Cola) will be integrated in the basic wage effective December 1.

The Northern Mindanao wage order, meanwhile, does not cover persons in personal service of another, domestic workers or kasambahays under Republic Act 10361, and workers of Barangay Micro Business Enterprises. SunStar Philippines