By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Department of Labor and Employment-Region 6 (DOLE-6) said they have yet to receive an order to increase wages for household helpers. According to DOLE-Negros Occidental head Mary Agnes Capigon, certain processes must be completed before May 8 in order for wage increases to be implemented.

She pointed out, her office would oversee the implementation of the new wage order, while the DOLE-6 regional director participates in deliberation during Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board meetings.

She added, household workers can file complaints against employers if they fail to follow the newly-approved wage order once it comes into effect.

Earlier, General Alliance of Workers Association (GAWA) Secretary-General Wennie Sancho said the Regional Wage Board recently approved salary increases for household workers last April 23, wherein all “kasambahays” or domestic helpers,” can receive a monthly salary of P4,000 a month, up from the previous P3,500.

Sancho also revealed they will file another wage increase petition next month before the expiration of Wage Order No. 24, which sets a daily minimum wage of P365 for the commercial and industrial sector./DGB, WDJ