Labor representatives to the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board 6 are urging the Sangguniang Panlungsod and the Department of Labor and Employment to act against business establishments that violate the implementation of the minimum wage.

Wennie Sancho, one of the two who represent labor in RTWPB 6, said that there are mall operators who circumvent the minimum wage law by outsourcing their construction requirements, for example, depriving the employees of wages they deserve. By hiring a contractor to service its needs, an establishment doesn't directly deal with the involved workers thus, it is not compelled to pay the prescribed minimum wage.

Under the present wage order, wages for non-agricultural workers in industrial or commercial establishments with capitalization of more than P3 million will be P222, more than P1 million but less than P3 million - P212, and not more than P1 million - P199.

Sancho said the city council can pass a resolution urging the permits and licenses division, which is under the mayor's office, to disapprove or withhold permits of establishments violating the minimum wage law.

Hernane Braza, another labor representative to the wage board, said it is the responsibility of the Department of Labor and Employment to inspect establishments to ensure that they pay the minimum wage.

Sancho added that the DOLE can even revoke the license or permit of a labor contractor that does not pay its workers the right wage.

Both Sancho and Braza are presently pushing for a P75 increase in minimum wage in Western Visayas, despite opposition from the management sector.

The RTWBP will continue holding public consultations in Iloilo, Antique, Capiz Aklan, and Boracay until July 12 after conducting an initial consultation in Bacolod last June 26.*NLG

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