Mandaue City Officials Deliberate Salary Increase for Job Order Workers Amid Financial Constraints
Officials in Mandaue City are conducting a serious review of a proposed salary hike for job order (JO) workers. However, this suggestion remains under careful evaluation as the city examines whether its budget can accommodate such an increase amidst escalating operational costs.
Ongoing Planning and Financial Assessment
According to Mandaue City Councilor Joel Seno, the plan to raise salaries for JO workers has been under discussion for several months. Mayor Thadeo Jovito "Jonkie" Ouano has been considering this initiative even before the city encountered its current financial difficulties.
"It is still in the planning stage, but Mayor Jonkie Ouano has been thinking about this for several months now," Seno stated. "We want to prepare in advance for unforeseen events, such as the challenges we are currently facing," the councilor added.
Budget Scrutiny and Prioritization
Seno, who chairs the Committee on Appropriation, Budget and Finance in the Council, explained that they are still analyzing the required budget for the local government before making a final decision. He emphasized that the city is simultaneously managing multiple significant expenses.
Seno assured that the Mayor is serious about this plan but stressed the need to ensure that the budget can sustain the salary increase over the long term. They have already discussed the matter with City Administrator Atty. Gonzalo "Sally" Malig-on.
Implementation Details and Current Status
If approved, the salary increase will be implemented for all JO workers across the entire city government. However, Seno clarified that no final amount has been determined yet because the funding is still being studied, and other urgent expenses, such as additional budget for waste management, are being prioritized.
At present, no specific date has been set for the implementation of this proposed salary adjustment. The city continues to balance its financial responsibilities while exploring ways to support its workforce.
