By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Regional Wage Board (RWB) convened earlier this week to review a proposed wage hike for local domestic workers in the Western Visayas, including Negros Occidental.
In a text message sent by General Alliance of Workers Association (GAWA) Secretary-General Wennie Sancho, he said the projected increase for domestic workers in cities and first class municipalities will be P865.74 per month.
For other municipalities, it will be P692.59, he added.
Sancho stated the current monthly wage for domestic workers is P2,500 for cities and first class municipalities, and P2,000 for other municipalities.
He explained, based on Wage Order RB6-DW1, which became effective in February last year, the board is mandated to review the wage order one year after it has been ratified.
Sancho added, public hearings and consultations are currently scheduled for August 16 in Iloilo City and on August 18 in Bacolod City.
The board will deliberate from August 24 to 25, and the signing of the wage order is expected to take place on September 8./WDJ