The government is working on measures to help cushion the impact of soaring prices of basic goods on workers, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said Tuesday.

In a radio interview, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said other government agencies are also looking for ways to aid workers by providing them with non-wage benefits.

“In a Cabinet meeting, energy and fuel are being looked at because they have an impact on the economy. Looking at what help can be provided to workers, especially ordinary workers. More or less about 4 million minimum wage earners. Subsidy in terms of fuel, power, and basic commodities. I hope the prices will stabilize,” the DOLE chief added.

The country’s inflation or the rate of increase in prices of goods and services soared to 7.7 percent in October, an almost 1 percent jump from September’s 6.9 percent.

He noted that they are coordinating with the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Agriculture and the National Economic Development Authority on the matter.

“We must work together and come up with a solution. We have the participation of Departments that have something to do with the economy,” Laguesma said.

Laguesma added that they are also looking at proposals for adjustments in the salaries of workers.

“The recent wage orders only came out this past June, all are only effective at the most five months and the others there still have the second tranche. The majority of Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) have second tranche, some in December, others January to April,” he explained.

According to the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC), regional wage boards can issue a wage order only once in a given year as a general rule.

Laguesma said the regional wage boards are also monitoring other factors to determine if there will be another round of wage hikes. (PNA)