Workers from Kilusang Mayo Uno and Gabriela members picketed before Congress on January 30 in support of consolidated wage increase legislation aimed at raising wages by ₱200/day.

They said that they recognize the passage of legislation at the committee level as an initial victory towards achieving living wages. However, this is still far from the ₱1,200 family living wage they are demanding.

“At a time when the crisis is hitting workers across the country, it is appropriate to raise wages across the country to a living wages,” the KMU stated. Their wages are no longer liveable due to soaring prices of commodities.

Gabriela views the passage of the proposal at the committee level as a positive step.

“It should be passed immediately and made the government’s primary duty,” Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas said. “Workers have long been demanding the ₱1,200 national minimum wage since it is what they need to survive. This is what Filipino families need to keep up with the continuous increase in the price of goods and services.”

She said a law is needed for raising wages to a standard level across different regions.

“Workers across the country should not be diversified because they are all equally affected by rising prices,” she said. “We will continue to promote living wages for our workers and their families.”