Members of various labor groups held a motorcade from Balintawak Market to Nepa Q Mart on April 28, 2024, calling for the immediate passage of a 750 PHP wage increase. The protest is part of a series leading up to larger protests on Labor Day, May 1. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Senators on Wednesday issued statements paying tribute to workers on Labor Day, as they vowed to pass laws benefitting the Filipino workforce.

READ: Marcos orders review of minimum wages in regions

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, chair of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources, said they are counting on the House of Representatives to approve the Senate's proposal for a wage hike.

"Despite having a vital role in our economic landscape, however, our workers remain largely undervalued for their contributions," Zubiri said.

"Sa aming hanay sa Senado, naipasa na namin ang panukalang batas na nagbibigay ng karagdagang isang daang piso kada araw sa sweldo ng mga minimum wage earners sa pribadong sektor. Hinihintay na lamang namin ang bersyon ng House of Representatives," said Estrada.

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva also emphasized the importance of this proposal.

"As Majority Leader, I fought for the P100 daily wage increase to advance living wage as a standard for salaries. We believe salaries should consider daily living expenses of families, nutrition and the educational needs of children," he said.

Senator Risa Hontiveros also joined the call for the wage hike.

Aside from this proposal, Sen. Grace Poe also urged employers who can afford it to give allowances to workers.

READ: Over 64,000 jobs available in DOLE-NCR Labor Day Job Fairs

"We reiterate our call to employers who are capable to provide supplementary allowance or extend any assistance to their employees to help them get by," Poe said in her statement.

Estrada also advocated his separate proposal to increase the wages of government workers.

"Nagsumite na ako ng panukalang batas para itaas ang basic salary ng mga kawani ng gobyerno," he said.

Sen. Imee Marcos also paid tribute to workers in her vlog.

"Kung walang manggagagawa, sinong gagawa, sinong magde-deliver ng lechon manok, sinong mangingisda, sinong magtatanim ng gulay pang pinakbet. Walang magsasaka, walang bigas, walang kanin, walang sapin-sapin. Balikbayan? OFW? Manggagaawa rin yan," she said.

Sen. Pia Cayetano's office also wished workers well on Labor Day.

"We also shine a spotlight on the incredible dedication of women workers, particularly working moms, who tirelessly balance their dual role as their families’ caretakers and providers," she said.

Citing the extreme heat, Villanueva and Poe also urged employers to consider alternative work arrangements to give workers relief.

"Panawagan po natin sa ating mga employer na tignan ang iba’t ibang alternatibong working arrangement kagaya ng telecommuting o work from home para maibsan ang kalbaryo ng ating mga manggagawa na nagtitiis pumasok araw araw sa gitna ng matinding init at traffic na kanilang kinakaharap," Villanueva said.

READ: Jobseekers must upgrade skills to keep up with workforce demand: Jobstreet

"As we continue to brave the extreme hot weather, we urge offices to provide heat breaks, alternative work set-up, and observe other measures to ensure a safe environment for their workers," Poe said. 

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