By Erwin Nicavera/PNA
BACOLOD CITY — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-6 (Western Visayas) told employers on Boracay Island, Aklan to implement the daily minimum wage increase, which took effect on January 27.
DOLE-6 Regional Director Cyril Ticao, who also chairs the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB)-6, said on Monday they have already issued notices on the effectivity of the pay increase in the island-resort.
“We are reminding employers there to implement additional provisions of the existing wage order,” he said.
Wage Order No. 24, which was approved by the board in June 2018, provides that the wage increase in Boracay should take effect three months after its re-opening last October.
The decision took into consideration the temporary closure of the island-destination, which resulted in the non-operation of establishments for six months.
There was no wage increase and provision of cost of living allowance in all three barangays of Malay town, which includes Boracay Island, for three months.
In the rest of the areas in Western Visayas, the PHP13.50 to PHP41.50 increase per day took effect last July 12.
Ticao said it is the obligation of the establishments in Boracay to ensure that workers are properly paid as this will contribute to improving their productivity.
Wage Order No. 24 sets the new minimum wage rates, including the Cost of Living Allowance, at PHP295 and PHP365 per day.
Ticao said workers may report erring employers to their office, and they will conduct inspection to validate the complaint.
He said though that due process will be given to erring establishments, which should pay in retroactive the amount of increase they have not given to their workers.
“If ever they fail, we will issue an order requiring them for double indemnity,” Ticao added.
