KMU cautious on wage hikes, seeks gov't subsidies

A labor group, Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), remains cautious about mandated wage increases amid concerns from employers and smaller businesses.

During a hearing at the House of Representatives, Gabriela Representative Arlene Brosas suggested that government subsidies could help ease the financial burden on micro and small businesses while ensuring fair wages for workers.

Confederation of Wearables Exporters of the Philippines executive director Maritess Agoncillo highlighted how market forces are already challenging their competitiveness against other Southeast Asian countries, leading to projected workforce reductions.

Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (Sentro) labor group also supports subsidies for firms struggling with mandated wage increases.

Mark Villena of the Associated Labor Unions in the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines emphasized that raising wages is crucial for developing quality workers and improving the economy.

Kilusang Mayo Uno secretary general Jerome Adonis stressed that their appeal for a wage hike stems from constitutional rights to living wages, aiming for families to live decently.