Business leaders in Dumaguete City are supporting the demand for a wage increase, but said it should not be through a legislated hike.

Councilor Manuel Sagarbarria, president of the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said he understands the need to increase the salary and wages of employees and workers.

Although the chamber has not yet come up with an official position on the matter, Sagarbarria said it has been their practice to help and support the workers’ plight, if there’s a need.

Alex Sy, president of the Dumaguete Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, said they support the wage hike call, but the amount should be reasonable.

He said the increase should not prejudice the business sector, especially because every year there is an increase of salary. It might force investors to close down their businesses, Sy added.

Sy and Sagarbarria said the amount of the increase should depend on the inflation rate.

During the last wage increase, their stand was that, whatever is the inflation rate, that should also be the rate of the salary hike, Sagarbarria said.

On the call for a legislated wage increase, Sagarbarria said the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board should determine the amount of increase.

He said experiences indicated that RTWPB conducts comprehensive consultations when there is a petition for a wage increase. Besides, the standard of living in different places varies, hence, wage increase all over the country should be uniform, Sagarbarria added.

Meanwhile, Sy said it is not good for politicians to have a say in determining the wage or salary of employees, as this may prejudice the business sector.*RA

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