Employers asked to show proof of wage order compliance

EMPLOYERS in Class A cities and municipalities in Cebu province have until October 31 to provide the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) proof of their compliance with the latest minimum wage increase.

The daily minimum wage in Metro Cebu has been increased by P13 to a range of P303 to P353 effective October 10.

Covered in this latest wage order are employers in the cities of Carcar, Cebu, Danao, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Naga, and Talisay, as well as in the municipalities of Compostela, Consolacion, Cordova, Liloan, Minglanilla, and San Fernando.

Other cities and towns in Central Visayas maintained a minimum wage of P275 to P320.

DOLE 7 labor communications officer Luchel Taniza said that, so far, they have heard no complaints from establishments regarding the increase.

“They were given time to air their sentiments during the public hearing,” she said.

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) also encouraged the private sector to file their position paper on the petitions for wage adjustment.

“There were no complaints. Actually establishments called to ask when they should implement the order,” Taniza said.

A copy of the latest wage order is available for download at the DOLE and National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) websites.

Joint assessments of the establishments are under way.

Taniza said labor law compliance officers will conduct surprise visits to check on various facets of an establishment, including occupational safety and health, and compliance to labor standards and child labor laws.

Taniza also said that DOLE aims to complete assessments by November 15. By this time, all establishments should be able to provide proof of their compliance.

Of the total 3,480 establishments targeted by the agency for assessment, 77.73 percent or 2,705 establishments have already been assessed by DOLE.