The Confederation for Unity,
Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE) welcomed the
House of Representatives’ move to approve a resolution granting a minimum of P2,851
salary increase to government employees.
“We consider this as an initial victory
that resulted from our tireless collective efforts. The government employees,
under COURAGE’s leadership, have been steadfast in campaigning for a P3,000
increase in the minimum pay since last year. We have witnessed how our
consistent mass actions have resulted in significant amendments in the proposed
Salary Standardization Law 3 (SSL 3). The first version offered a mere P1,850
increase for minimum earners while effecting more than 200% hike for the top
officials, commented Santi Dasmariñas, Jr., COURAGE Secretary-General.
However, the militant organization of
government employees criticized the staggered implementation of the pay hike
which will be spread out in four years. It claimed that this will only mean
wage freeze for the next four years. The group pressed that the increase must
be disbursed for a maximum of two years; otherwise, the annual installments
will be insignificant given the staggering inflation rate.
The leader also expressed his group’s
disapproval of the House Resolution No. 36’s seeming bias against the employees
in the local government units (LGUs). “It’s wage regionalization in the public
sector. The increase shall not be implemented equally but shall be based on the
LGUs’ income and financial capability as 1st to 6th class
cities and municipalities. In so many cases, employees of the local governments
have yet to receive the salary differentials from 10% adjustment last year and
even the benefits mandated by law. Employees of 2nd, 3rd, 4th etc., class
municipalities are unjustly treated as 2nd and 3rd class
workers, their pay is much lower and more often than not delayed than their
counterparts in the 1st class municipalities and the national
government,” explained Dasmariñas.
Dasmariñas pointed out another loophole
in the resolution that needs to be plugged such as the review and integration
of benefits gained from the collective negotiations agreement and the Magna
Cartas for social workers, scientists, health workers, teachers etc..”These
benefits were borne from the struggles of the employees, must be recognized and
implemented and therefore should not be integrated.
COURAGE vowed to continue its campaign
for a P3,000 hike in the minimum pay which must be implemented within two
years, annual wage adjustments and budget allocation for the LGU employees’
salary increase. “This resolution is indeed a positive development but we
believe that it can still be improved. We will continue to push our demands and
bring these to the Senate and bicameral meeting. #