The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in Central Luzon (RTWPB-3) is reviewing the wages being received by the “kasambahay” or household service workers in the region.

Ma. Zenaida A. Campita, regional director of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and chairperson of RTWPB Central Luzon, said the board initiated a review of the wage order which was issued two years ago, taking into consideration the prevailing socio-economic condition in the region.

“The Board is currently reviewing the wage order for kasambahays in the region so that we can determine whether or not there is a need to increase or update the minimum wage of our household service workers, considering their needs and the capacity to pay of employers,” Campita said.

Under Wage Order R.B. III DW 01 issued in 2017, the minimum wage for the kasambahay in chartered cities and first-class municipalities in the region is PHP4,000 while the minimum wage in other municipalities is PHP3,500.

As part of the review, Campita said the board will conduct a survey in selected cities and municipalities to collect substantial data that can be used by the wage board.

Campita said the survey, among others, aims to determine the number of household helpers who are receiving the minimum wage and those who are covered by social welfare benefits.

Under Republic Act 10361, or Batas Kasambahay, apart from the standard minimum wages, household service workers must be able to avail and enjoy other mandatory benefits such as the 13th month pay; five days service incentive leave; and one rest day per week.

They also have the right to avail the Solo Parent Leave (RA 8972); Special Leave Benefit for Woman under the Magna Carta for Women (RA 9710); and Violence against Women and their Children (VAWC) Leave (RA 9262).

“We encourage the public to participate in the survey. We need to get the position of the employers and kasambahays on wage increase so that the board will be guided in policy decision-making,” she said.

Campita called on the public to attend the hearing on the adjustment of the wage rate of the household helpers on Dec. 5, 2019 at the DOLE Regional Office here.

She also encouraged household employers, domestic workers, barangay officials, homeowners’ associations, private recruitment agencies and domestic workers’ associations to attend the hearing.

“All interested parties who wish to submit their position paper or written comments regarding the minimum wage adjustment may file them with the board on or before the scheduled date of hearing,” Campita added. (PNA)