Argosy S. Nazareno

Salute to the Workers

May 1 is Labor Day. The holiday is always marred with the plight of workers for just compensation for their sacrifices and hard work. Their situation is worsened by the pandemic and the lack of government support. Its 2021, are their voices being heard? Are the politicians in Bohol really listen to their plea?

Minimum wage is the lowest compensation that is legally allowed for an employer to pay for the services of the employee. In the Philippines, we have the National Wages and Productivity Commission, which is a branch of the Department of Labor and Employment, which determines the current daily minimum wage rates in the country.  In our Province, Bohol, which is part of Region Seven (7), Tagbilaran City has the new basic wage at P356.00 per day. This wage rate shall be applied to the prescribed normal working hours, which shall not exceed eight (8) hours work a day.

Does the companies here in Bohol follow wage orders? We may observe that most do not. Just ask any employee whether or not they are paid based on the minimum wage. Worse, they are working more than eight (8) hours a day and are underpaid. Most of these employers are pious and we always see them in church, and yet, they do not give due credit to their employees. Do they have conscience? Maybe, but their minds are shrouded by the urge for more profit at the expense of the employees.

They can always tell me that I have no idea about running a huge business or corporation and to be honest, I am just an ordinary Filipino. An ordinary Filipino who was once an employee and I know the sentiments and plight of my former co-workers who were underpaid and were working really hard for their respective families. We all need to provide our families with the basic commodities. The minimum wage of the province is really reassuring and should be followed in order to address the needs of an ordinary citizen.  The minimum wage is designed to create a minimum standard of living to protect the well-being of employees. It protects the workers of the labor force. Everyone should have the opportunity to earn a decent wage. Everyone should work for only eight (8) hours a day in order to give time to their families and have time to rest. If working beyond is unavoidable or requested by the employer, the employee should be given due credit based on the prescribed wage per hour. 

In the Municipality of Loon, even if the Local Government Unit is not covered by the Minimum Wage Order, the Municipality is giving its employees, specifically the job order workers, P310.00 or above daily wage rate (depending on the length of service & credentials). This is simply because the Municipality sees the need of an ordinary worker during this difficult time. COVID19 cases are piling up and workers scramble to feed their families and try to re-establish a good living condition. 

This should serve as an example, an LGU who is not profit-oriented, who has a fix budget and not focused on financial gain, is able to provide livable wage to the employees. We hope that private companies could do the same, and other LGUs might do this as well, and the employees together with their respective families, will forever be grateful.

With the ongoing pandemic, will the politicians of Bohol sit idly or help the minimum wage earners? You will soon know who to choose next!