New wage order increases ‘kasambahay’ minimum pay in Metro Manila

For households across Metro Manila, the cost of employing a ‘kasambahay’ will soon change, as domestic workers in the National Capital Region (NCR) are set to receive higher monthly pay starting next month.

Domestic workers will get an additional P800 in their minimum monthly wage after the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) approved a new wage order, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said.

The increase raises the minimum monthly pay for ‘kasambahays’ in the National Capital Region to P7,800 from P7,000 under Wage Order No. NCR-DW-06.

According to wage-setting regulations, the adjustment will take effect on February 7, or 15 days from the order’s publication.

The new rate is applicable to all domestic workers in Metro Manila. 

General housekeepers, nannies, cooks, gardeners, and laundry workers are among the covered workers, as are people who work as domestic helpers in a family on a regular basis. 

Moreover, the labor authorities said that the salary increase ensures consistent application of the new minimum rate regardless of whether workers are employed directly by homes or through authorized private employment agencies.

Household principals or clients must pay the set rate for ‘kasambahays’ hired through private agencies. Employment contracts will immediately change to reflect the increase.

However, in accordance with current legislation, family drivers, service providers, and people who only occasionally or sporadically undertake household duties are not included in the salary order.

In addition, RTWPB said the increase is mandatory for all households in Metro Manila and follows previous wage adjustments in the aforementioned region.