Group Seeks Immediate Convening of NIR Regional Wage Board

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — The secretary-general of the General Alliance of Workers Association (GAWA), Wennie Sancho, is appealing to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. through Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma for the immediate convening of the Regional Wage Board (RTWPB) in the Negros Island Region (NIR).

GAWA is urging the immediate convening of the RTWPB in NIR, Sancho said.

Despite the presence of various government agencies with satellite offices in NIR, the Regional Wage Board remains unconstituted, he pointed out.

Sancho, a former labor representative on the Western Visayas Regional Wage Board, stressed that this is a pressing concern. The Wage Board plays a vital role in determining minimum wage rates and promoting productivity in the region, as mandated by Republic Act 6727.

He noted that the absence of a functional Wage Board in NIR has led to a lack of representation for workers, employers, and government agencies in the region, hindering the implementation of wage policies and productivity programs.

GAWA is calling for the government to act swiftly to constitute the RTWPB in NIR, ensuring representation for workers, employers, and government agencies. It also urges scheduling the first RTWPB meeting to address pressing wage and productivity issues in NIR, Sancho added.

“We believe the immediate convening of the Regional Wage Board in NIR will significantly contribute to fair wages, productivity, and economic growth in the region,” Sancho said.