Negros business, labor groups split over regional wage hike

BACOLOD CITY—The wage adjustment approved by regional authorities has drawn sharp criticism from both sides of the labor-management divide in Negros Occidental, exposing deep divisions over how much workers should earn and what businesses can afford to pay.

Labor organizations have denounced the increase as failing to keep pace with inflation and the rising cost of living, arguing that the adjustment falls short of workers' actual needs. Business leaders, conversely, have expressed alarm at the added financial burden, cautioning that higher labor costs could force them to raise prices for consumers or trim operations.

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board approved the wage adjustment for private-sector workers across Western Visayas, setting the new daily minimum wage range. The decision reflects ongoing tensions between labor advocates seeking better compensation and employers concerned about competitiveness and profitability in an uncertain economic climate.

Both groups have signaled intentions to escalate their positions, with labor representatives likely to push for further increases while business groups prepare arguments for restraint in future adjustments. The dispute underscores persistent challenges in balancing worker welfare with business sustainability in the region.