S. Mindanao workers to receive pay hike

DAVAO CITY – Workers in Southern Mindanao will receive a salary increase starting Dec. 16.

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board on Thursday said the new minimum wage rate in the region would be P340 for workers in the non-agricultural, nonindustrial, non-commercial and non-retail and service companies employing more than 10 workers.

For the agriculture sector, the minimum wage is P335.

Workers in retail and service companies employing not more than 10 workers will receive P315 daily minimum wage.

The regional wage board said the P5 cost of living allowance granted under wage order RB XI-18 would be integrated in the workers’ basic pay starting May 1 next year.

The order was published in local dailies on Dec. 1, stating it would take effect on Dec. 16.

In case of a calamity, the wage board may accept applications for exemption from affected establishments.