DOLE: Minimum wage adjustment consultations in NCR set for May 23, June 4

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced on Wednesday that a series of consultations for the next minimum wage round in the National Capital Region (NCR) will begin on Thursday.

In a statement, the DOLE said the consultations with the labor and employer sectors in Metro Manila will take place on May 23 and June 4, respectively.

The public hearing, meanwhile, is expected on June 20.

After the consultations, the NCR’s Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) will decide on the propriety of adjusting the minimum wage for the region.

The Labor Department said the prompt conduct of consultations aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call to the RTWPBs during his Labor Day address to initiate the timely review of the regional minimum wage rates “within 60 days prior to the anniversary of their latest wage order.”

Following Marcos’ directive, the DOLE, through the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC), issued a resolution on May 6 directing the RTWPBs to commence the review of minimum wages.

The present wage order for private sector workers in Metro Manila took effect on July 16, 2023.

The latest order set the minimum wage at P610 for workers in the non-agriculture sector and P573 for workers in the agriculture sector, service/retail establishments employing 15 workers or less, and manufacturing establishments regularly employing less than 10 workers.

The DOLE said other regions have been directed to firm up their schedule of consultations and hearings, consistent with the President’s directive and with the implementing rules and regulations issued by the NWPC.  —VBL, GMA Integrated News