22/05/2026
Pasay City, Philippines — Members of the Unity of Workers for Wage Increase (UWIN) held a protest action this morning in front of the National Capital Region (NCR) Wage Board in Pasay City, calling for an immediate and substantial wage increase toward a family living wage amid worsening economic conditions.
The workers, coming from various unions and federations under the UWIN alliance, gathered to express their urgent demand for wage relief as Filipino workers continue to struggle with rising prices of basic goods, transport costs, and utilities.
“Halos mabali na ang likod ng mga manggagawa sa pagpasan sa krisis dulot ng gera. Nadudurog na kami sa bigat ng presyo ng mga bilihin. Nagugutom ang aming mga pamilya habang nilalamon ng implasyon ang kakarampot naming sahod.” said UWIN Spokesperson and Samahang Manggagawa sa Philippine Span Asia Carrier Corp. (SMPSACC-NAFLU-KMU) President Allan Labahata.
According to the group, these developments have severely affected low- and minimum-wage earners who are already struggling to meet basic needs such as food, housing, healthcare, and education.
Petition for wage increase
The protest action follows the filing of a formal petition for wage increase last April 27 by several unions and federations under the UWIN alliance. The petition urged the NCR Wage Board to consider the ongoing oil shock and the inflationary impact of the war in the Middle East as a supervening event, which they argue justifies an immediate wage adjustment outside the usual wage-setting schedule.
UWIN emphasized that the current wage levels in the National Capital Region are no longer sufficient to meet the minimum requirements of a decent standard of living, especially for workers supporting families.
Call for urgent action
“Hindi na kayang maghintay ng mga manggagawa. Habang patuloy na nagpapatumpik-tumpik ang Regional Wage Board, nasasadlak kami at ang aming mga pamilya sa mas matinding gutom at kahirapan. Ipasa na dapat ngayon ang dagdag-sahod tungong PHP1200 living wage!” added Labahata.
They reiterated that a family living wage, not just a nominal increase, is necessary to ensure that workers can live with dignity and sustain their households amid rising inflation.
UWIN also underscored that wage policy must reflect the real conditions faced by workers on the ground, particularly in times of global economic instability and crisis.
Continuing mobilization
The group vowed to continue collective actions until their demand for a substantial wage increase is addressed. They also called on other labor groups and the public to support their call for just and livable wages for all Filipino workers.
“Mga kapwa manggagawa, karapatan natin ang nakabubuhay na sahod. Panghawakan natin ito, at sama-samang ipaglaban sa lahat ng pamamaraan. Tuluy-tuloy lang tayong mangalampag at mag-ingay hanggang makamtan natin ang nararapat.” ended Labahata.
Reference:
Allan Labahata
UWIN Spokesperson
