The Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) wants fast lanes for employers and commercial establishments in distress who are applying for exemptions from the implementation of the new minimum wage rate in Western Visayas.
Frank Carbon, MBCCI vice president for governmental affairs, said companies in distress can apply with the Department of Labor and Employment for exemption from paying the new wage rates that take effect on Nov. 17.
Wage Order No. RBVI-28 issued on October 22 brings the daily minimum wage rates in the region to a range of P485 – P513 in the non-agriculture sector and P480 in the agriculture sector.
The RTWPB VI also approved a P1,000 monthly increase for kasambahays in the region bringing the monthly minimum wage to P6,000.
MBCCI will also look into DOLE’s setting up of “fast lanes” to process request for exemptions and perhaps enroll the lanes in the Anti-Red Tape Authority’s one-stop-shop, Carbon said.
Carbon also called on Local Economic Development and Investments Promotions Offices to assist the distressed businesses to secure DOLE exemption.*