QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 614)
The main purpose of Executive Order No. 614 is to create the National Wages Council, a tripartite government agency responsible for wage determination and wage fixing in the Philippines.
The National Wages Council is attached to the Office of the President of the Philippines.
The primary functions include acting as a consultative and advisory body on wage matters, recommending wage orders to the President, conducting continuous wage studies, collecting and disseminating wage-related information, and processing applications for exemptions from statutory wage increases.
The Council is composed of the Minister of Labor and Employment as Chairman, the Minister of Economic Planning as Vice-Chairman, Ministers of Industry, Agriculture, Finance, Trade, the Governor of the Central Bank, the Executive Director, and two representatives each from workers and employers appointed by the President.
The Council must consider the needs of workers and their families, the general level of wages, cost-of-living and its changes, fair return of investments, industry viability, social security benefits, and other economic factors including productivity and employment levels.
Yes, Article 5 states that no wage order shall prevent workers from bargaining for higher wages with their respective employers.
No, according to Article 6, no injunction may be issued by any court to restrain any proceeding of or before the Council.
The Wage Commission in the Ministry of Labor was abolished and all its personnel, equipment, records, and appropriations were transferred to the National Wages Council.
They are appointed by the President of the Philippines on the recommendation of the Minister of Labor and Employment.