THE Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) has invited leaders of organized labor for a meeting in Malacañang for a possible discussion about the labor sector's appeal for a P150 across-the-board legislated wage increase.
Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) Vice President Luis Corral confirmed it on Wednesday even as he pointed out that the letter they received was only a simple invitation without the important details, except for the time and date of the meeting.
'We don't know if we would be able to meet with the President. There is no program. It simply says that we are invited for a meeting in Malacañang on Labor Day, May 1, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon,' Corral told The Manila Times.
'Traditionally, as in all past Labor Day celebrations, the President leads the meeting with the labor sector. The invitation letter sent to us is accompanied by a program,' he added.
Corral noted that the President, since assuming office in 2022, has yet to meet with labor groups.
During last year's celebration of Labor Day, Marcos was in the United States for a meeting with US President Joe Biden. He did not announce a wage hike but assured workers they would be provided with opportunities that would improve their lives.
Corral said they remain hopeful that the President would preside over their meeting on Labor Day for a heart-to-heart discussion about labor concerns, the wage increase in particular.