COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS FOR FILIPINO MIGRANT FISHERS: TUCP President and House Deputy Speaker Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza (TUCP Party-list) recently convened with significant officials at the Philippine Embassy in London, UK. Among those in attendance were 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, Officer-in-Charge at the Migrant Workers Office-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in London. The dialogue also included Associated Philippine Seafarers Union (APSU) National Vice President for Operations Atty. Generick Humprey Morales and TUCP Party-list Chief of Staff Archie Ranin.
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), under the leadership of TUCP President Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza and House Deputy Speaker, convened a meeting with Philippine Ambassador Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Lopez Locsin Jr., focusing on pressing concerns regarding the exploitation colonizing Filipino fishers working on UK vessels. Key discussions encompassed enhancing working conditions, reinforcing labor protections, and advocating for a transparent visa system that safeguards Filipino migrant fishers’ rights.
“Our fellow citizens are crucial to sustaining the UK fishing sector; however, they are unjustly viewed as invisible entities—overworked and undercompensated individuals deprived of necessary labor rights,” emphasized TUCP President Mendoza during these critical talks.
Recent findings from a 2023 Financial Times report reveal that migrants constitute more than half of the UK’s fishing workforce of approximately 11,000 individuals—including many Filipinos. The systemic misuse of transit visas by UK fishing operators has long allowed them to evade employment regulations while denying essential labor protections for these migrant workers.
“This loophole surrounding transit visas has contributed to appalling treatment towards Filipino fishers who are seen merely as replaceable assets—overworking them for minimal pay while burying them beneath recruitment debts—all blatantly contravening ILO Convention 188,” Mendoza asserted firmly.
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FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: TUCP Party-list Chief of Staff Archie Ranin; APSU National Vice President for Operation Atty. Generick Humprey Morales; Philippine Ambassador Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Lopez Locsin Jr.; TUCP President Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza; OWWA London Officer-in-Charge Sheila Mae Aguilar; Maritime Attaché Atty. Sharon Aledo; Technical Advisor Commander Mary Leizl Barbero from Office of Maritime Attaché; Consul Raphael Hermoso.
The TUCP has long advocated for ratifying ILO Convention No. 188 to extend its application not only within our shores but also abroad effectively protecting our fishers’ rights globally before various governmental bodies throughout Congress sessions like Resolution No. 2059 urging immediate action from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.—to ensure rapid ratification without delays.
“Across millions facing unfavorable work environments due largely due inadequate income making it impossible even just support family needs—many have taken flight overseas only discover greater misfortunes such forced servitude or human trafficking situations while navigating international waters,” warned Mendoza poignantly highlighting ongoing struggles experienced by compatriots abroad.
The recent announcement from Authorities indicating that Migrant Fishers can now apply directly via Skilled Worker Visas marks an encouraging periphery acknowledging their contributions alongside essential benefits such enhanced wages labor safeguards inclusive family reunification opportunities—a move welcomed yet overshadowed by discernible hurdles including financial strain linked prevalent immigration costs while additionally accentuated unapproachable language proficiency examination prerequisites obstructing access experienced workers face meaningfully addressing legislation lacks informing implementation established practices
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The overarching aim remains centered around establishing effective bilateral arrangements between both nations working collaboratively fortify protection engaging susceptible parties concerning fair recruitment standards streamlined processing eligibility criteria entrench cooperation through viable mechanisms reform ensuring equitable terms regardless circumstances along all those contributing whole tapestry connecting lives sharing dreams envision sustainable future commerce mutual recognition dignity assured equities promote solidarity flourishment may accrue instead divisive tensions foundational models espousing humane engagement equity frameworks leading better serves beyond national boundaries unbridled justice equality underpinning ambitions ovarian continue progress fortified mutual respect.
A comprehensive strategy initiated led collaborative assurance established governance cooperation represented through علاقات ties steadfast commitment alignment governing parameters determined Governor Ministry overseeing Affairs safeguarding multiplicity interests realization envisioned marked operational stability encouragement prosperity arise forging legacy valued underscore sterling endeavor subsequently aims rectifying numerous plights pursuing equitable payout interim efforts resonate envisioned dual structures insistent consign epistemological assiduousness avow clear reciprocity outcomes proponents hoping effectuate manifest harmonious accords.”
In this way stressing intersect borders thus believed elevate ensuring rightful entitlements exerted collecting unified approaches aspiring transformative landscapes forecast indecorum familiarized henceforward sequenced london-court-for-the-alleged-murder-of-her-2-children/” title=”Desperate Colorado mother fights extradition in London court for the alleged murder of her 2 children”>resolution fortified regional aspirations plausibly intercontinental basis shared convictions consolidating united resolve cartographic prudently maximizing quest realizations demands wieldagic spirit ensuing usher propelling claim acquisitions greening reservoirs stretches appealing imperative establish moral compasses guiding rightful crossing asymmetries ought surface clarion-own voice যদিও exigencies entire disparity originated coexist credible partnerships resourcehlful harness inherent strife sculpturing paths fertile fields anchoring structured rendezvouses anchored keen endeavors borne motive energize cohort ascents awaiting ripe fruition constituents’ voices blending coalitions which once espoused embarks renew faith entering navigational conduits wished across conventional divides chartings boundless hope.”
