THE Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) is up in arms over what they believe is an effort by businessmen and the Aquino administration to move for the lowering of the minimum wage rates in the country by blaming it for the number of unemployed in the country.
In a statement, the labor group assailed the Philippine Institute of Development Studies (PIDS) for coming up with a report that says the presence of the minimum wage should be blamed for the worsening unemployment rate in the country.
"The PIDS is acting in the interest of, if not in direct cahoots with, the Aquino government and big capitalists. Its so-called research is not objective, but a weapon in the capitalists' brutal class war against workers," said KMU Chairman Elmer Labog.
"We are revolted by the PIDS's attack on the minimum wage," he said.
To note, the PIDS is a non-stock, non-profit government corporation that has a mandate to help government planners and policy-makers in formulation of national programs by providing comprehensive and integrated research materials.
Earlier this month, the PIDS came out with a report saying the minimum wage requirement actually prevents people from finding jobs despite being willing to work below the basic pay.
"Generally, (minimum wage is) not only unhelpful but highly detrimental to the welfare of the common man and the disadvantaged," the PIDS report said.
"Allowing firms to hire low skilled and poor workers, who want to voluntarily opt out of the mandatory minimum wage norm, recognizing that it hurts rather than helps them, ensure, though, that workers' acceptance of the offers is voluntary and well informed," the PIDS report added.
Minimum wage is defined under the Wage Rationalization Act as the lowest wage rate fixed by law that an employer can pay his workers.
The KMU said they will never allow efforts to have the minimum wage lowered than it already is.
"The minimum wage in the country is already at poverty and starvation levels and cannot be blamed for unemployment and poverty. It should be increased, not cut," said Labog.
To note, the KMU is pushing for the passage of House Bill 257 or the P125 Wage Hike Bill, seeks a P125 across-the-board wage hike nationwide. (HDT/Sunnex)
