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"House of Representatives Approves P200 Daily Wage Increase for Private Minimum Wage Workers
"House of Representatives Approves P200 Daily Wage Increase for Private Minimum Wage Workers
House of Representatives Approves P200 Daily Wage Increase for Private Minimum Wage Workers
The Philippine House of Representatives has taken a significant step towards improving the lives of private minimum wage workers in the country. On Monday night, the chamber approved on second reading House Bill 11376, also known as the proposed Wage Hike For Minimum Wage Workers Act.
This landmark legislation aims to increase the daily wage of minimum wage workers in the private sector by P200, with the ultimate goal of helping these workers achieve a more decent standard of living and better support their families. The bill covers all minimum wage workers in the private sector, regardless of employment status, including those in contractual and sub-contractual arrangements, whether agricultural or non-agricultural.
To assist small enterprises in complying with the wage increase, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will provide incentives subject to implementing rules and regulations. Additionally, existing allowances and benefits under existing laws, decrees, issuances, executive orders, and contracts or agreements between workers and employers will not be reduced as a result of this legislation.
The bill also provides exemptions for certain entities, including Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBEs) as provided by the BMBEs Act. Furthermore, retail or service establishments regularly employing not more than ten workers and establishments adversely affected by natural calamities or human-induced disasters will be exempted from complying with the subject minimum wage increase, as provided by the Wage Rationalization Act and relevant rules of the National Wages and Productivity Commission.
To ensure compliance with the bill's provisions, any person, corporation, trust, firm, partnership, association, or entity that violates any provision of this act will be punished by a fine of not less than P100,000 nor more than P500,000 or imprisonment of not less than two years nor more than four years, or both at the discretion of the Court.
The bill also provides for the payment of indemnity to employees in cases where employers violate the provisions of this act. The employer concerned will be ordered to pay an amount equivalent to double the unpaid benefits owing to the employees. However, this payment will not absolve the employer from criminal liability imposable under this act.
This significant legislation is a crucial step towards creating a more just and equitable society for private minimum wage workers in the Philippines. As we move forward into 2025, it's essential that we continue to prioritize the well-being of these workers and work towards building a circular economy that benefits all.
Keywords minimum wage workers, private sector, wage increase, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBEs), Wage Rationalization Act, National Wages and Productivity Commission.
