11 labor groups fight for P85 wage hike: ‘Legal snatching’ must stop
MANILA, Philippines – Eleven labor groups, unions, and political parties representing workers across the National Capital Region (NCR) have filed an urgent motion to lift a temporary restraining order (TRO) that blocked the P85 minimum wage increase. The hike, set to take effect on July 25, was suspended by Pasig City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 152, leaving over one million private sector workers in Metro Manila in limbo.
The groups, led by labor leader and lawyer Sonny Matula, submitted a 26-page motion on Sunday, urging the court to not only lift the TRO but also dismiss the writ of preliminary injunction filed by construction firms Readycon Trading and Construction Corp. and R-II Builders Inc. They argue that the court lacks jurisdiction over wage matters, citing Article 126 of the Labor Code, which bars any court from issuing injunctions or TROs against proceedings of the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) or its boards.
Why is the P85 wage hike important for Filipino workers?
The wage increase, mandated under NCR Wage Order No. 27, would raise the daily minimum wage from P695 to P780. It was designed to be implemented in two tranches: P60 on July 25 and P25 on January 20 next year. The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) emphasized that the TRO has inflicted the gravest irreparable injury on those who have the least in life. 'A street snatcher steals once; if the TRO is not lifted today, this legal snatching will happen every single day – P85 taken from every affected minimum-wage earner,' the groups said in a statement.
The petitioners, Readycon and R-II Builders, questioned whether employers' capacity to pay was properly considered when the wage order was issued on June 23. But the labor groups counter that previous wage hikes – like the 19.10 percent increase in 1990 and the 14.41 percent hike in 1993 – did not destroy the economy, so there is no reason to presume this one will.
What is the legal basis for lifting the TRO?
The labor groups argue that the court has no jurisdiction to hear or decide on minimum wage matters. According to Article 126 of the Labor Code, 'no preliminary or permanent injunction or temporary restraining order may be issued by any court, tribunal or other entity against any proceedings before the NWPC or the board.' They also point out that the petitioners failed to exhaust administrative remedies, making the case improper for judicial review. The hearing for the writ of preliminary injunction is scheduled for August 3, and if granted, the wage hike could remain frozen until the case is fully resolved.
Who are the groups fighting for the wage hike?
The 11 groups include the Federation of Free Workers, Sentro ng Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa, National Federation of Labor, Unified Filipino Service Workers, Partido Manggagawa, Kapatiran ng mga Unyon at Samahang Manggagawa, Vishay Philippines Employees Union-FFW, Ninja Van Riders Union-FFW, Workers and Peasants Party, Kamanggagawa party list, and Young Christian Workers of the Philippines. They represent a broad coalition of workers, from factory employees to delivery riders, reflecting the diverse labor force in Metro Manila.
What happens next?
Judge Marie Joyce Manongsong issued the TRO suspending the wage order until August 13. The court will hear arguments on the preliminary injunction on August 3. If the injunction is denied, the TRO will expire, and the wage hike can proceed. But if granted, workers may have to wait months for a final decision. The TUCP and other groups are calling on the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to defend the wage order and uphold its validity. 'This is not just about P85; it is about justice for the millions who struggle to make ends meet,' Matula said.