Local cement dealers have agreed to increase loading and unloading rates by 10 centavos to 80 centavos per bag, ending a dispute over rates paid to haulers. Still unresolved however, are workers’ demands for additional benefits such as Social Security System (SSS) contributions and health insurance premiums, which were referred to the government agencies concerned. "Both the workers and the management agreed on a 10-centavo hike without any argument," said Florencio Aguilos, Secretary of the Eastern Visayas Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board.
Around 160 laborers belonging to Katrabaho had asked for a 30-centavo increase per bag of cement loaded or unloaded as well as a P1 increase in delivery rates outside the city. Presently, the workers receive 70 centavos per bag.. Forter Puguon, wage board Chairman and Regional Director of the Department of Labor and Employment, said the increase was a result of negotiations between the workers and eight cement distribution companies operating here.
