The minimum wage in the Bicol region at P455 ($7.41) per day will never be enough for daily expenses since inflation in the country continues to rise.

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – Labor groups in the Bicol region held a regional workers’ forum and protest in Legazpi City to mark the 123th International Labor Day this year, encouraging Bicolanos to support the campaign for a P1,200 ($20) living wage and benefits for workers.

According to the Association of Democratic Labor Organizations – Kilusang Mayo Uno (ADLO KMU) Bicol, the commemoration highlighted the situation of Bicolano workers. The individuals and local organizations from Albay, Sorsogon, Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte participated in the gathering.

During the workers’ forum held at Good Shepherd Hall, St. Raphael Church, the workshop and breakout sessions discussed the experiences of Bicolano workers.

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Bicol Union stressed its longstanding call for just and humane wages, safe work environments, and respect for the rights of teachers in the workshop discussion.

The sole union of teachers in the region demanded the increase in the entry-level salary of teachers to P50,000 ($814.59) and P36,000 ($586.51) as the base salary for Salary Grade 1 in the public sector.

According to ACT Bicol, wages are not sufficient to meet the rising prices of goods and services. “The proposal will provide fairer compensation to all government employees, who have been serving for a long time despite limited income,” the group added.

“The significant salary increase is not only a recognition of the dignity of the teaching profession, but also a step to maintain the quality of education in the country,” said Roque Lamadrid, president of ACT Bicol Union. “The ACT Bicol Union will stand with the entire working class in the fight for fair wages, decent work, and respect for human rights.”

After the forum, the delegates together with Bayan Bicol marched around the business streets of Legazpi City going to Rizal Park where they held a program.

The minimum wage in the Bicol region at P455 ($7.41) per day will never be enough for daily expenses since inflation in the country continues to rise, according to ADLO KMU Bicol.

“This is not enough to cover daily expenses, especially with inflation continuing to rise in the country. In addition, it is far from the Family Living Wage of P1,200,” ADLO KMU Bicol said.

“Although there is a set minimum wage, most of our workers, especially agricultural workers and contractual workers, receive less than the minimum wage. Wages and benefits are already being reduced, and the government is adding to the suffering of the people by continuing to impose a 12% Value Added Tax and excise tax on oil,” ADLO KMU Bicol added.

Along with the soaring price of oil, transport leader Ramon Rescovilla of Condor Piston Bicol said that the price of basic commodities and resources for their livelihoods has also increased.

The labor groups lambasted the four-day work implementation in the public sector to supposedly save on the use of resources and energy.

“Behind this proposal is the increased fatigue because workers work from eight hours to ten hours while there is no additional salary or compensation. Because of this, no work, no pay workers are put in jeopardy because their salaries may be further reduced,” ADLO KMU Bicol said. “The government turns a blind eye and fails to address the burden carried by the masses. As the government continuously fails to serve its constituents, it is just right that the Filipino people fight for their economic, political, and democratic.”

“Let us fight together and bring to life the decades-long history of the militant struggle of the labor movement,” said Jen Nagrampa, Bayan Bicol chairperson. (RTS, DAA)