President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday instructed Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards to work overtime to reach  decisions on the new wage levels in their respective areas.

Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye said the President issued her directive to Labor Secretary Marianito Roque telling him to ensure that the RTWPBs get cracking on the wage issue “even if it means they have to work on May 1, a non-working day for the rest of the country.”

Western Visayas Labor Regional Director Aida Estabillo said she is joining a meeting in Manila today on how to tackle petitions for wage increases pending before wage boards.

Gov. Isidro Zayco yesterday said that, with the rising prices of basic commodities, it is good that the RTWPB has already set hearings on a petition for a wage hike in Western Visayas.

The hearings will provide a venue for representatives of workers and management to air their views so a decision on an affordable hike can be reached, he said.

The National Congress of Unions in the Sugar Industry of the Philippines has filed a petition for a P50 wage hike.

Meanwhile, he said the provincial government is making sure it has funds ready for its employees’ benefits and scheduled wage hike this year.

Provincial government workers are set to get their mid year bonuses before the June opening of classes, and an agreement with the Progressive Alliance of Capitol Employees also has set benefits for the rank and file, he said.

The provincial government workers are also set to get 10 percent salary increases  this year, and the final half of their bonuses and cash gifts in December, he said.*CPG

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