Strengthening Support for Filipino Fishers: A United Front
In London, UK, President of the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) and Deputy Speaker of the House, Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza (TUCP Party-list), convened meaningful discussions at the Philippine Embassy. Engaging with notable officials including Philippine Ambassador to the UK Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Lopez Locsin Jr., Deputy Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization Consul Raphael Hermoso, Maritime Attaché Atty. Sharon Aledo, and Sheila Mae Aguilar from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), this meeting aimed to address pressing issues faced by Filipino migrant fishers.
Addressing Exploitation in Fishing
The TUCP’s engagement highlighted significant concerns regarding exploitation within Britain’s fishing industry—an industry heavily reliant on migrant labor. Notably present were Associated Philippine Seafarers Union’s National Vice President for Operation Atty. Generick Humprey Morales and TUCP Party-list Chief of Staff Archie Ranin. This collective effort emphasized a commitment to enhancing working conditions and advocating for robust labor protections.
“Our compatriots form an integral part of the UK’s fishing sector; however, they are often overlooked as they endure grueling hours with inadequate compensation while being denied fundamental labor rights,” stated Mendoza passionately during discussions aimed at fostering better circumstances for these workers.
Migrant Worker Statistics and Challenges
Citing a recent report from Financial Times 2023, it was revealed that over 50% of Britain’s 11,000 fishing employees are comprised of migrants—including a considerable number from the Philippines. For many years now, UK fishing companies have exploited loopholes in transit visa policies meant for merchant seafarers to sidestep existing employment laws.
“This misuse results in stark mistreatment—Filipino fishers become mere disposable labor sources; subjected to relentless work schedules with trivial pay while grappling with recruitment debts,” Mendoza pointed out firmly citing violations against ILO Convention 188 guidelines.
Pushing for Legislative Change
The TUCP has persistently urged government action towards ratifying ILO Convention No. 188 which protects all fishermen both domestically and abroad. In efforts within Congress during its 19th session, they reintroduced House Resolution No. 2059 appealing directly to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., requesting prompt ratification along with Senate concurrence.
“Countless Filipino fishers battle oppressive working conditions without means to support their families adequately,” warned Mendoza about their plight leading many individuals overseas where they encounter forced labor scenarios among other human rights violations on international waters.
A Step Towards Recognition: Skilled Worker Visas
The UK administration has recently introduced provisions allowing migrant fishermen access to Skilled Worker Visas—a move that formally acknowledges their role as essential offshore workers entitled not just higher wages but invaluable benefits including robust job protections alongside family reunifications opportunities.
However positive this advancement may appear; complications yet arise stemming from high application fees coupled with challenging English tests further restricting access thereby preventing many eligible fishers from benefitting fully,” lamented Mendoza regarding systemic obstacles still faced by these communities even post-policy changes.
Paving Pathways Toward Fairer Practices
The TUCP advocates strongly for creating a bilateral labor agreement between Manila and London which will streamline employment contracts while extending necessary safeguards irrespective of status underlining an urgent need lower financial barrier thresholds enhancing immigrant work eligibility criteria accessible effectively across borders supporting fair recruitment principles bilaterally aligned ethically.”
A Collaborative Approach Moving Forward
Ambassador Locsin alongside Migrant Workers Office officials have committed unwavering support collaborating jointly through entities like TIAPSU (Associated Philippine Seafarers Union) focusing extensively on addressing needs particularized concerning elevating Filipino offshore worker recognition highlighting their critical contributions aboard British vessels esteemed throughout maritime sectors supporting government-wide strategic initiatives led through partnerships uniting various departments driving towards pragmatic funding agreements reflective cultural nuances ensuring dignity reliability permeates throughout occupation opportunities built solidly upon mutual respect striving foundational principles anchored shared equity outcomes positively into industry standards.”
A Call For Justice And Fair Treatment
Mendoza iterated fervently: “Filipino fishers put forth tremendous sacrifices tirelessly persevering daily risking everything merely fulfilling meals adorning tables across Great Britain—it is time they receive equitable terms warranted rightful deserves transforming legacy preserved through valor inscribed honoring thus enliven collaboration protecting welfare inclusion catalyzing change processes towards enabling broader dialogues emerging emanating steadfast resolve unapologetically embodiment equitability justice-centered endeavors dedicated foundational movements protecting inherent human dignities globally.”
