Marcos open for discussion with labor groups over wage hike

President Marcos is open for dialogue with labor groups to discuss their concerns over wage hike, Malacañang said.

Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said Marcos is not closing his doors on discussion with labor groups and listening to their concerns and recommendations.

“Ang Pangulo po ay lagi pong bukas sa ano man pong diskusyon para po sa ikabubuti ng mga manggagawa at hindi po iyan isinasara iyong pintuan (The President is always open for discussion on the welfare of the workers and he is not closing his doors),” Castro said.

“Kailangan lang din po siguro natin na masabi sa Pangulo kung papaano, kailan, para po magkaroon sila ng magandang pag-uusap (Perhaps, we only need to tell the President how, when, in order to have a good discussion),” Castro added.

The Palace officer also pointed out that the President needs to talk with all stakeholders first before deciding on whether or not to certify the wage hike bill as urgent.

“So, lahat po ng stakeholders kailangan kausapin kung kakayanin din po ba ng mga employers at kung ano iyong nararapat sa mga manggagawa (So, the President must be able to talk to all stakeholders if the employers can handle this and what measure would be appropriate for the workers),” Castro said.

On Labor Day, the President assured Filipino workers that their concerns on better wages are being addressed by the government through the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPB).

Marcos said the RTWPB continues to study the level of wages in every region, citing that since June last year, 16 regions in the country have implemented additional wages.

READ MORE: Marcos assures workers wage concerns are being addressed