In their Labor Day statement, the Church People-Workers Solidarity (CWS) underscored that the right to a living wage is not discretionary according to church teachings; rather, it is fundamentally tied to the dignity of every individual.

"The Church's teaching asserts that every worker, as a result of their labor, deserves a living wage. A fair wage is the rightful outcome of work. To deny or withhold it can constitute a serious injustice," stated Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, chairperson of CWS.

Alminaza stressed that in determining a fair salary, both the needs of the individual and their contributions must be considered.

CWS expressed concern that the minimum wages in all 17 regions of the country fall short of covering the needs of an average family of five, including both food and non-food expenses.

The organization highlighted that the national average daily minimum wage is P440, while the family living wage is averaged at P1,202, resulting in a wage gap of P762.

"Due to increasing inflation, this wage gap is widening because the wage hikes issued by regional wage boards are infrequent and insufficient, causing worker salaries to lag behind inflation and even productivity growth," noted Alminaza, who also serves as the bishop of the Diocese of San Carlos.

"If people's real-life experiences do not align with or enhance human dignity, then the social, economic, and political landscape must change to become more compassionate and protective of human dignity," he added.

All Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) have recently released their respective wage orders.

Meanwhile, several bills are pending in Congress seeking universal wage increases for private sector workers.