The Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) criticized National Capital Region (NCR) business owners for blocking the implementation of the 85-peso wage hike for workers, despite having the financial capacity to hire lawyers to file complaints and secure Temporary Restraining Orders (TROs).
According to KMU Northern Mindanao representative Tita Hadman, the courts have no right to suspend labor orders because employers should instead course their grievances or appeals regarding the wage hike through the National Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board.
The wage increase was scheduled to be implemented in two tranches—an initial 50 pesos followed by 35 pesos in January—but was stalled in court after two construction companies filed a petition.
Because of this, the group’s call persists for the implementation of a 1,200-peso daily minimum wage to help worker families cope with soaring commodity prices.
