Local labor group, the General Alliance of Workers Association (GAWA), yesterday confirmed their petition seeking wage hikes is currently before the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board-Region VI (RTWPB-6), who will determine if the petition is sufficient in form.

GAWA Secretary-General Wennie Sancho said the board will decide within 45 days, following the conclusion of a public hearing, whether a increases are necessary and how much should be provided as a daily minimum wage.

The group is seeking an increase of P150 a day for commercial, industrial, and non-agricultural establishments employing more than 10 workers; P140 a day for those in the agricultural sector; and P130 for commercial establishments with less than 10 workers.

Earlier this month, Sancho pushed for a hike in wages in response to the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, claiming the current P323.50 minimum wage is “insufficient.”/DGB, WDJ