Advocating for Filipino Migrant Fishers: A Collaborative Effort
In a significant meeting at the Philippine Embassy in London, key figures gathered to address the plight of Filipino fishers working on vessels in the United Kingdom. The gathering included Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) President and House Deputy Speaker Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza, Philippine Ambassador Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Lopez Locsin Jr., and other notable officials such as Deputy Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Consul Raphael Hermoso and Maritime Attaché Atty. Sharon Aledo.
The Urgency of Addressing Exploitation
This high-level discussion sought to confront serious issues surrounding labor exploitation faced by Filipinos in the UK fishing industry. Prominent topics included enhancing working conditions, establishing robust labor protections, and advocating for a fair visa framework that respects the london-by-simon-his-camera/” title=”Hungerford Bridge London by Simon & His Camera”>rights of migrant fishers.
“Filipino workers are pivotal to sustaining the UK’s fishing sector; yet they endure harsh treatment characterized by long hours, inadequate pay, and insufficient labor safeguards,” Mendoza revealed emphatically during his remarks.
Current Landscape: Statistics Highlighting Vulnerability
A recent report from 2023 indicates that over half of Britain’s approximately 11,000 fishing personnel are foreign migrants—among them many Filipinos. For years, operators have exploited transit visas originally designated for merchant seafarers to circumvent established employment regulations while denying these workers essential protections.
Mendoza condemned this misuse: “The existence of this transit visa loophole has allowed for continuous mistreatment—viewing Filipino fishers merely as expendable resources who work excessively without fair compensation or manageable recruitment debts,” he stated while referencing violations against ILO Convention 188.
TUCP’s Call for Legislative Action
The TUCP has consistently urged action from Philippine authorities regarding ILO Convention No. 188’s ratification for fisher workers both domestically and internationally. Recently filed House Resolution No. 2059 prompts President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to prioritize this matter urgently alongside Senate collaboration.
“Countless Filipino fishers find themselves trapped in exploitative environments where their earnings hardly meet basic family needs,” Mendoza noted with concern about how many venture abroad seeking respite only to encounter dire situations like forced labor or human trafficking on international waters.
Improvements on Visa Requirements: A Step Forward?
In a positive development, UK authorities recently announced that migrant fishers can apply for Skilled Worker Visas—a move toward formally recognizing their roles as offshore employees while ensuring crucial benefits such as improved wages and access to family reunification opportunities.”
“Although this initiative marks progress,” Mendoza cautioned about existing obstacles like prohibitive visa costs, demanding language proficiency tests ,and general unawareness which prevent affected individuals from benefiting from these new provisions.”
Pushing Forward with Bilateral Labor Agreement Initiatives
The TUCP is advocating strongly for a bilateral labor agreement between both nations aimed at standardizing work contracts across sectors while extending vital protections irrespective of worker status . This would also serve to lower barriers linked with obtaining more accessible visas alongside enhancing ethical recruitment practices between countries involved.
Ambassador Locsin along with representatives from various organizations—including APSU and ITF—have expressed commitment towards uniting efforts directed at uplifting conditions faced by Filipino fishermen particularly highlighting their integral role within fisheries operated out of UK shores—a collaborative approach spearheaded jointly by both Departments managing foreign affairs as well as migration issues within government channels .
A Call For Justice
Mendoza declared earnestly: “Filipino fishermen invest immense sacrifice feeding families across Britain while bearing extreme risks—it is crucial they receive equitable terms not only concerning treatment but general remuneration rights.” He emphasized that ongoing alliances targeting heightened wage structures aspects should address core employment hurdles including exorbitant fees tied explicitly towards visas or English testing requirements; underscoring fairness serves ultimately dignity worth pursuing through proposed Philippines–United Kingdom partnership itself based upon justice.”
