C. Luzon Wage Board Sets New Monthly Minimum Wage for Kasambahays
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA –The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board III sets new monthly minimum wage for kasambahays effective starting June 20, 2022. Published on June 4, Wage Order No. RBIII-DW-03 increases the monthly minimum wage of domestic workers or kasambahays from ₱4,500 to ₱5,000 for chartered cities and first class municipalities and from ₱4,000 to ₱4,500 in other municipalities.
According to DOLE Regional Office No. III Regional Director and RTWPBIII Chairperson Geraldine M. Panlilio, Wage Order No. RBIII-DW-03 covers all workers who regularly perform domestic work in one household on an occupational basis such as house helpers, yayas, cooks, gardeners, laundry persons, and persons who regularly perform domestic work in households on an occupational basis.
“The monthly minimum wage of our kasambahays should not be below the rate set by the Wage Board. But of course, they can negotiate for higher pay and invoke their rights as provided for under the law. In case of violations of their rights by their employers, they may file a complaint at the nearest DOLE office,” RD Panlilio furthered.
Pursuant to Republic Act No. 10361 or Batas Kasambahay, kasambahays are entitled to mandatory coverage of SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG. They are also entitled to 13th month pay, five days service incentive leave; and at least twenty-four (24) consecutive hours or one day of rest per week.
Meanwhile, Jerome P. Yanson, head of RTWPBIII secretariat, said that aside from setting the minimum wage, the Wage Board also offers free productivity improvement trainings for kasambahays to increase their productivity at work. He also noted that Wage Order No. RBIII-DW-03 does not cover service providers, family drivers, children under foster family arrangement, and others who perform work occasionally or sporadically and not an occupational basis.
RTWPBs are mandated by law to periodically assess the wage rates, and to conduct continuing studies in the determination of the minimum wage rates applicable in the region or industry. (Lucel Ann L. Dungca)
