KARAPATAN denounces the deliberate lethal inaction of the Marcos Jr.-dominated House of Representatives and Senate on the daily minimum wage hike proposals for workers, it joins labor rights advocates and other sectors in pressing for PhP1,200 family living wage (FLW).
The non-convening of the bicameral committee on the HOR and Senate proposals to advance the bill for Marcos Jr.’s action is consistent with his position passing the buck to regional wage boards, thereby strengthening wage rationalization, and essentially rejecting the demands of workers for across-the-board increases in wages. The PhP100 or PhP200 wage hike proposals are even a far cry from the much needed PhP1,200 across-the-board increase and family living wage that stands as the minimum amount for a five of five to meet the most basic needs.
Marcos Jr. and the capitalists have been peddling the lie that wage hikes are inflationary and would cripple capitalists. Studies by IBON Foundation, however, show that even a ₱200.00-wage hike would reduce annual company profits only by 9% to 15%, which would be manageable. The resulting increase in worker spending power would actually stimulate the economy and improve living standards.
KARAPATAN is in solidarity with the working people in their continuing struggle for just wages and in advancing other hard-won workers’ rights such as the freedom of association and the right to strike.