TUCP Urges Bilateral Labor Agreement with the UK to Protect Filipino Migrant Fishers from Exploitation | London * . *
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TUCP Urges Bilateral Labor Agreement with the UK to Protect Filipino Migrant Fishers from Exploitation

Uniting for the Rights of Filipino Migrant Fishers

In‌ a recent assembly at⁢ the Philippine Embassy in London, TUCP President and House Deputy Speaker Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza (TUCP Party-list) engaged in‌ crucial discussions with key officials including Philippine Ambassador Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Lopez Locsin ⁢Jr., Deputy Permanent Representative to the International‍ Maritime Organization (IMO) Consul Raphael Hermoso, Maritime Attaché Atty. Sharon Aledo, and Sheila Mae Aguilar from the⁣ Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). Also in attendance were Atty. Generick Humprey Morales, National⁢ Vice President for Operation of Associated Philippine Seafarers Union ⁤(APSU), and Archie Ranin, Chief of Staff for TUCP Party-list.

Addressing ​Exploitation in⁣ the UK Fishing Industry

LONDON — ‍Under the leadership of TUCP⁣ President Mendoza, representatives from various sectors convened to address alarming⁤ issues regarding exploitation faced by Filipino fishers working ⁤on UK vessels. The pivotal meeting aimed at devising strategies ⁢to enhance working conditions, bolster labor london-by-simon-his-camera/” title=”Hungerford Bridge London by Simon & His Camera”>rights protections, and advocate for⁢ visa reforms that safeguard migrant⁣ workers.

“Our kababayan⁣ form an essential part of the UK’s fishing ​sector yet are ⁤often overlooked‌ as undervalued laborers—subjected to‍ excessive workloads without fair⁣ compensation while being stripped of fundamental worker‍ rights,” stated Mendoza ‍emphatically.

The Prevalence of Migrant Labor

A report from Financial ‌Times published in 2023 indicates that more than half of the UK’s fishing workforce—approximately 11,000 individuals—are migrants,​ predominantly including Filipinos. For years now, fishing companies have exploited a transit visa loophole intended for merchant seafarers to ⁢bypass legal employment standards and deprive migrant fishers ‍of necessary protections.

Mendoza highlighted that⁣ “the misuse of tucp-urges-philippines-and-uk-to-strike-a-deal-to-protect-filipino-migrant-fishers-from-exploitation/” title=”TUCP Urges Philippines and UK to Strike a Deal to Protect Filipino Migrant Fishers from Exploitation”>transit visas has perpetuated a system where ⁢our Filipino fishers are⁢ treated as expendable workforce—with relentless hours worked for meager pay amidst mounting ‌recruitment ‍debts—all blatant infringements against ILO ‍Convention 188.”

PH-UK bilateral labor agreement

Calls to Action: Ratifying ILO ⁣Convention No. 188

The Trade Union Congress has long advocated ⁤for ratifying ILO Convention No. 188 both domestically and internationally among‌ employed fishers.‌ In its latest efforts during Congress 19th session through House Resolution No. 2059 ⁤filed before ‍President Ferdinand⁢ “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., TUCP emphasized immediate action toward this significant cause.

Mendoza ⁣warned about millions suffering under oppressive ​work environments who consequently venture abroad only⁤ to become victims again facing forced labor conditions or human trafficking‌ while they seek better ⁢opportunities‌ outside their homeland.

A Step Forward: Skilled Worker⁤ Visas

The recent announcement by the UK Government allowing migrant fishers eligibility for Skilled Worker⁢ Visas marks progress toward​ recognizing their work as vital offshore employees; however challenges persist with elevated visa costs alongside rigorous English language requirements acting as barriers preventing access among affected workers.

“Despite this development representing notable improvement,”⁢ lamented Mendoza,“significant obstacles remain—notably unaffordable fees coupled with challenging language tests which deter many skilled individuals.”

Pushing Towards Fair Employment Practices through Bilateral Agreements

The ‌TUCP is fervently advocating⁣ establishment between Philippines and United Kingdom concerning bilateral ⁣labor‍ agreements aiming at ⁣standardizing employment⁣ contracts whilst extending comprehensive legal protection across ⁢all categories concerning⁤ migrant fisher workers regardless‌ if formally recognized or not; updating eligibility requirements thus making⁤ them both accessible yet affordable is critical moving forward along with credible practices regarding recruitment processes established throughout both nations’ realms.

A Collaborative Approach Moving Ahead

Ambassador⁤ Locsin together ​with MWO pledged commitment towards partnering extensively alongside TUCP plus ‌APSU along International Transport Workers’ Federation actively discussing solutions particularly upliftment proposals raising status regarding‌ skilled ⁣contributions rendered exemplified through this‍ frontline community aboard maritime vessels within UK’s fisheries industry aligning relevant governmental initiatives undertaken ​led ‌respectively Department Foreign Affairs & Department Migrant Workers escalating dialogues achieving productive relationships internationally securing bilateral arrangements resultantly ​improving living ‌standards overall dignity afforded fellow citizens working diligently abroad serving essential roles

< p > “Filipino fisherman those who spend countless hours battered storms⁣ breath life meals prepared ​every ‍day ‍families residing United Kingdom deserve equity treatment intelligent ⁢arrangements while⁢ wrestling adversities confronted daily trying survive,”⁣ concluded strongly underscored Mendoca,support⁣ unity assurance prosperity combined adopt constructive strategies yield fruitful resolutions henceforth assistance avenues juxtaposing enshrined values underpinning fairness justice equality deserves pursuit genuinely场景未来持久开阔。”

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