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UNITED IN SUPPORT OF FILIPINO FISHERMEN: At the Philippine Embassy in London, key discussions took place involving TUCP President Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza (TUCP Party-list) and london-but-face-a-new-threat-from-knife-crimes/” title=”Seeking Safety: Americans Flock to London, but Face a New Threat from Knife Crimes”>protect-filipino-fishers-from-exploitation/” title=”TUCP Urges Bilateral Labor Agreement with the UK to Protect Filipino Fishers from Exploitation”>tucp-urges-philippines-uk-labor-pact-to-protect-filipino-fishers-from-exploitation/” title=”TUCP Urges Philippines-UK Labor Pact to Protect Filipino Fishers from Exploitation”>notable officials such as 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 OWWA London’s Officer-in-Charge Sheila Mae Aguilar. Also present were APSU National Vice President for Operation Atty. Generick Humprey Morales and TUCP Party-list Chief of Staff Archie Ranin.
Addressing Exploitation of Filipino Fishers in the UK
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), under the leadership of Deputy Speaker Mendoza, convened with Philippine Ambassador Locsin to confront serious issues surrounding the exploitation faced by Filipino fishers employed on vessels in UK waters. Contributing officials included Consul Hermoso, Maritime Attaché Atty. Aledo, and Ms. Aguilar from OWWA London.
The Plight of Filipino Migrant Workers
“Filipino workers are integral to the UK fishing sector; however, they often labor under harsh conditions while remaining largely invisible—overworked and disproportionately compensated without basic labor rights,” highlighted Mendoza during their meeting.
Current Employment Statistics
A recent report from 2023 highlights that more than 50% of nearly 11,000 individuals engaged in UK’s fishing workforce are migrants, prominently featuring Filipinos among them. For years now, operators have exploited transit visa loopholes designed for merchant seafarers to circumvent legal employment mandates that protect these migrant fishermen’s rights.
Impact of Visa Loopholes on Labor Rights
Mendoza pointed out that “the existence of this transit visa loophole has resulted in severe treatment towards Filipino fishers who are treated as expendable resources—driven excessively without adequate wages or assistance while incurring recruitment debts.” This behavior starkly contrasts ILO Convention 188’s regulations aimed at safeguarding fisher workers globally.
Pushing for Legislative Change
The TUCP has persistently urged for ratification of ILO Convention No. 188 by the Philippine government to extend protections not only domestically but critically internationally as well. Once again within Congress’s current session (19th), House Resolution No. 2059 was introduced urging President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s immediate action towards this goal.
The Hardships Faced by Fishermen Abroad
“Countless Filipino fishers endure unfavorable work environments earning merely enough for survival,” Mendoza remarked sadly about their challenges at home pushing many to seek employment overseas—only to find themselves entrenched in forced labor situations riddled with human trafficking risks when they reach international waters.”
New Visa Options introduce Hope Yet Barrier Remains
The UK Government recently introduced provisions allowing migrant fishermen access to Skilled Worker Visas, which acknowledges their roles as crucial offshore employees—a move accompanied by potential benefits like increased wages and improved working rights alongside family reunification opportunities.
“Despite these advancements with regard to Skilled Worker Visas representing progress,” noted Mendoza regretfully “significant hurdles remain: high visa fees barrage those seeking entry; intricate English language testing requirements priced beyond reach; compounded by a general lack awareness around these changes stunts accessibility.”
A Call for Bilateral Agreements To Protect Workers’ Rights
The TUCP is advocating vehemently toward establishing a bilateral agreement between Manila and London focused on standardizing work contracts meant specifically for all migrant fishermen regardless status while simplifying financial barriers tied determining eligibility along with buttressing cooperative ties regarding fair recruitment practices across both nations’ job markets.”
Collaborative Efforts Moving Forward
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