TUCP calls for P200 nationwide wage hike to fight poverty

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) is urging national unity to push for an immediate P200 legislated wage hike to address poverty.

On Tuesday, TUCP appealed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize the passage of a P200 nationwide wage increase before the 19th Congress ends, emphasizing the urgent need amid high levels of public frustration and economic hardship.

Despite employers' warnings that such a universal wage hike could lead to layoffs and business closures, TUCP maintains that regional wage adjustments have been insufficient for workers' needs.

A recent Stratbase-Social Weather Stations survey showed that 27.2% of Filipinos experience involuntary hunger, the highest since the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the dire situation faced by Filipino workers and their families.

TUCP urged public servants to focus on addressing the urgent need for a P200 wage hike rather than engaging in political wrangling, highlighting the impact of poverty on children's nutrition and future competitiveness.