A review on the possible increase in pay for job order workers is now underway in Mandaue City as officials respond to rising costs of goods and fuel.
The Mandaue City Council has approved a resolution urging a comprehensive study on a possible salary increase for city employees, particularly job order (JO) workers, amid rising living costs.
Councilor Carlo Fortuna, author of the resolution, said in an interview that increasing fuel prices has created a ripple effect on household and work-related expenses.
He said the city is now reassessing the situation of its workforce, with particular focus on JO employees, to determine whether wage adjustments can be implemented.
“Mao na ang recommendation sa council is for the mayor and the HR, and the budget office, to study the possibility of increasing the wages of the job order employees subject to availability of funds,” Fortuna said.
At present, JO workers in Mandaue City receive around P400 per day, which remains below the prevailing minimum wage rate.
Fortuna said while the proposal faces financial constraints due to the number of JO workers, the council believes adjustments should be explored if feasible.
The resolution recommends that Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano, together with the City Human Resources Office and City Budget Office, conduct a feasibility study on increasing compensation for JO workers.
The proposed reference point is closer alignment with the P540 minimum wage level.
Fortuna said the proposal has long been raised by JO employees seeking wage adjustments.
He added that any increase must remain sustainable and within the city’s fiscal capacity while addressing worker welfare.
Councilor Joel Seno, chair of the Committee on Appropriations, Budget and Finance, said the proposal also considers possible external economic pressures, including global tensions that may affect fuel and commodity prices.
“Ato lang gyung gitan-aw ang atong budgetary requirements because kining daghan mang gastohan, ato pang gitan-aw,” Seno said.
Seno said Mayor Ouano is also reviewing the proposal.
“To be very honest and candid about it, kani naistoryahan na na namo several months ago,” he said.
He added that discussions have already taken place between him, City Administrator Atty. Gonzalo “Sally” Malig-on, and the mayor, and that the proposal remains under study.
Seno said the planned adjustment, if approved, would cover all city employees, but no final figures or implementation timeline has been set.
“Ato pa gyud tan-awon, all angles covered. So plano pa ni, unya tan-awon nato asa ta maka-implement with that,” he said. (VCL)
Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
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