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.”
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
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