Editorial

Weighing for living

Labor groups in Metro Manila are continually creating noise as they persist on their demands for higher minimum wage, more than P700 a day, so as to cope with the high standards of living. Here in our area, though not as militant or radical as those in the metropolis, are likewise hungry for a similar pay hike. Who wouldn’t want such a big raise? We could only cross our fingers if the “big raise” is ever granted, though many could only be pessimistic on this to happen.

        To grant a big pay hike will result to reduction of employment rate, said the Employers Confederation of the Philippines. The ECOP also cautioned that ending the labor contractualization scheme would also adversely affect employment and investment.

        Earlier, the Department of Labor and Employment gave a negative note on the demand for high pay hike. The labor department could only tell the wage earners to cope with the living standards and initiate moves to get extra income. We cannot expect this far for a national legislation for high wages as this would only put a slash on employment pendulum… wage earners have to realize this fact and rather look for means and ways for adjustments and earn extra income, if there be.

        For those who would enter marriage and family life and the labor market, now is the time to  ponder on what steps to take in the battle with economic woes. It will be realistic to plan the size of the family in anticipation of what one could bring in as take home pay. One has to balance the employment position, salary rate, and expenditures. For survivality and ensure economic security, both spouses have to earn a living… both have to join the labor market to eke a living, sustain life with enough savings for emergencies. There are “wants” that have to be deferred or cast away as these are not really needs. The frequent advise is: Be practical and realistic… reach what is reachable but aspire with energy.

        What do we see in the labor market today? Youths have to learn the skills in dealing with technologies and find their place in this world of gadgets. There are now numerous courses related to these technology industries and career choices have to blend with the market demands for employability. Seek what is employably good pay, given your credentials of course. If lacking in family financial resource, grab the free collegiate education afforded by the government as one step to investment so one could enter the labor market with commensurating pay rate, hence, assuring economic stability.

        Practical living it is. See what is viably fitting to earn extra income other than reliance on minimum wage. But everything has to go the legal way to earn more. Move it fellas!