Gov’t union seeks uniform P16,000 starting salary for public sector

A GOVERNMENT workers’ union said it is pushing for a uniform P16,000 entry-level wage for public-sector workers.

The Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE) urged the Senate Wednesday to implement such a wage, which will “reduce the gap (between the) current salary (and) the family living wage. This will bring immediate relief to families of government employees suffering from economic hardship,” according to COURAGE National President Santiago Dasmariñas, Jr.

The “demand” was contained in a statement issued by the organization.

Based on the Department of Budget Management’s (DBM) Local Budget Circular 118, Salary Grade 1 wages for government workers vary by city, province and municipality. Special cities and first class provinces and cities pay P11,068 while 6^th Class Municipalities pay P7,194 for starting positions.

COURAGE said such wages are well below the monthly family living wage (FLW) of P32,000. — Gillian M. Cortez