BY JOCELYN MONTEMAYOR

PRESIDENT Arroyo yesterday called for the convening of regional wage boards to discuss ways, including a salary increase, to help workers cope with the increasing prices of oil and rice.

Wage boards approve salary increases based on the cost of living.

In Metro Manila, the last wage increase was P12 in August last year, raising the basic pay to P362 per day. Under the law, another increase is allowed only a year after the last one, unless there are urgent factors that constitute "supervening conditions."

Arroyo, during an inspection tour at the Yazaki-Torres Manufacturing Plant in Calamba in Laguna, also encouraged the grant of additional non-wage benefits to workers, like the putting up of day care centers in the places of employment.

She cited Yazaki-Torres, exporter of automotive wiring harness in the US, Japan and Europe, for putting up a hospital for the needs of its employees.

Prior to the plant visit, Arroyo unveiled a marker for the expanded facility and the new Cancer Institute of the St. Frances Cabrini Medical Center in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, owned by Feliciano Torres, chairman of the Yazaki-Torres plant.

Arroyo said with Labor Day coming, she would be visiting more factories to check on working conditions.

Trade Secretary Peter Favila said he favors a wage increase but its impact on employers should also be considered.

In place of a salary hike, Favila suggested an emergency or additional allowance for workers.

The Alliance for Progressive Labor said workers need both a wage hike and income tax exemption for those who earn P7,457 to P9,209 a month as proposed at the House.

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines is seeking a P60 salary hike and the Kilusang Mayo Uno, P125.

Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said there will be no work or classes on May 1 in observance of Labor Day.