By E. T. SUAREZ
Transport and labor groups said yesterday that despite the unabated increase in the prices of basic commodities and power rates triggered by the exorbitant hike in oil prices, they have no plan at the moment to seek a new wage increase, at least up to the end of this year.
The groups — led by Pangkalahatang Sangguniang Manila and Suburbs Drivers Association Nationwide (PSMSDAN) and the Integrated Labor Organization of the Philippines (ILOP) — said that instead of seeking a new wage increase, they will join forces with other sectors in fighting the unjustified hike in oil prices, dismantling of the oil cartel, and the repeal of the Oil Industry Deregulation Act.
They said that while a new wage increase will help average daily wage earners and their families cope with the increase in the prices of goods and services, the prospect that a new wage hike will be approved within this year is practically nil.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE), along with the country’s employers, will block any attempt for a new wage increase, saying that at this time of economic crisis, many business establishments, particularly the small ones, will be forced to stop their operations, the groups pointed out.
