The city government is implementing incremental salary increases for its contractual employees so they would closely match the pay received by permanent or “plantilla” local government unit workers.

In an interview on Saturday, Vice Mayor Angelito Lazaro Jr. said his office was surprised to learn that many of the city’s contractual or job order (JO) employees are paid about PHP250 per day only.

Incremental wage adjustment elevated the daily pay to PHP350 in 2023 and further to PHP400 by the third quarter this year.

“Our vision is to align JO workers’ remuneration with the minimum wage for private sector counterparts. We recognize Calamba’s role as a burgeoning hub in the Calabarzon Region, experiencing rapid urbanization and industrialization,” Lazaro said.

The minimum wage in Calabarzon currently stands at PHP520 per day.

Lazaro, also the city council’s presiding officer, explained that an ongoing reorganization in the city government epitomizes inclusivity, ensuring no individual is left behind. Appointments are also based on meritocracy.

The overarching aim is to bolster efficiency and efficacy in municipal governance, he added.

“By prioritizing the enhancement of city employees’ welfare and acknowledging the invaluable role of volunteers and collaborative partnerships, the current administration underscores its unwavering commitment to fortify worker conditions and foster synergistic growth for the city,” Lazaro said. (PNA)

Photo credit: Facebook/CalambaPOSO