Labor groups nationwide are ramping up their call for a P1,200 minimum wage, citing the widening gap between daily wages and the rising cost of living due to inflation and soaring commodity prices.

Rauf Sissay of Bayan Muna Partylist-Davao and Kilusang Mayo Uno-Southern Mindanao, in a media report, noted that workers are still grappling with worsening economic conditions, pointing to how inflation and rising prices have severely impacted laborers and their communities. He also lamented that despite persistent lobbying since 2023, the proposed wage increase remains stalled in Congress.

As a short-term remedy, Sissay also called for the immediate approval of a P200 across-the-board wage hike to help workers cope with present financial burdens.

Meanwhile, the government is moving forward with the mandated review of minimum wage rates nationwide. Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma confirmed that all 17 Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) have begun deliberations, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for a timely wage review — 60 days before the anniversary of the last wage order.

The review may benefit an estimated four million minimum wage earners and an additional eight million workers through potential pay adjustments.

“In compliance with the President’s directive issued last year, we are conducting the review early,” Laguesma said in a dzBB interview. “Aside from wage board decisions, unions can secure annual adjustments through collective bargaining agreements.”

“For DOLE, it’s crucial that employment continues, companies are able to grow, and that they also show compassion to their workers by granting benefits when business outcomes are good,” he added.

To further aid jobseekers and the underemployed, DOLE will hold a nationwide job fair across 70 sites on 1 May, Labor Day. Over 2,000 employers will offer more than 170,000 local and overseas jobs, with many of the fairs to be held in malls.

He added that DOLE will also roll out new livelihood projects during the Labor Day celebration.

“This is especially relevant for 4Ps beneficiaries who are transitioning out of the program. From January until now, we’ve conducted 13 job fairs focused on them, and many were hired on the spot,” Laguesma said.