By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The head of the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) over the weekend has voiced out his disapproval over the recommended wage increase for Western Visayas.

MBCCI chief executive officer Frank Carbon said he felt like he was about to faint after hearing the proposed wage increase approved by the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board (RTWPB).

Based on the proposed wage increase, the daily minimum pay for non-agricultural, industrial, and commercial workers was proposed at P450 or a P55 hike from the current P395 wage.

Meanwhile, the proposed wage hike for establishments which only have a minimum of 10 employees is at P420 or P110 higher from the current P310 salary.

According to Carbon, they do not conform with the current recommended wage hike, pointing out that an individual who claimed to be a representative from the business sector joined the RTWPB deliberations even though that individual was not a member of MBCCI.

Carbon said the MBCCI is currently asking the RTWPB to recall their proposed wage increase which was already forwarded to the National Wages and Productivity Commission.

He is also calling for renewed talks, adding that if their demands are not met, they will file for a temporary restraining order before the court.

Carbon pointed out even though they are concerned with the plight of the employees, the RTWPB should also consider if the employers are capable of meeting the proposed wages, as they are still recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic./DGB, WDJ