COLLABORATING FOR FILIPINO MIGRANT FISHERS: TUCP President and House Deputy Speaker Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza (TUCP Party-list) has initiated crucial dialogues at the Philippine Embassy in London, engaging with important figures such as the Philippine Ambassador to the UK, 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 Migrant Workers Office-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). Also attending were Associate Philippine Seafarers Union (APSU) National Vice President for Operations, Atty. Generick Humprey Morales, and TUCP Party-list Chief of Staff Archie Ranin.
Addressing Urgent Issues Faced by Filipino Fishers
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), directed by TUCP President and House Deputy Speaker Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza (TUCP Party-list), convened with Philippine Ambassador Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Lopez Locsin Jr. to address critical challenges concerning exploitation that Filipino fishers encounter aboard UK vessels. In attendance were Consul Raphael Hermoso from IMO’s Permanent Representation, Maritime Attaché Atty. Sharon Aledo, along with Sheila Mae Aguilar from OWWA London Office-in-Charge. Focus areas included enhancement of london-taxi-powerhouse-addison-lee-rents-rise-as-home-prices-dip-in-exciting-market-shift/” title=”Singapore's ComfortDelGro Makes Bold Move by Acquiring London Taxi Powerhouse Addison Lee; Rents Rise as Home Prices Dip in Exciting Market Shift”>working conditions for Filipino fishers with an emphasis on stringent labor protections as well as advocacy for a just visa process respecting their rights.
The Plight of Filipino Fishers
“Filipino workers form an integral part of Britain’s fishing sector yet face treatment reminiscent of second-class status—overworked and undercompensated individuals stripped of basic labor rights,” highlighted TUCP President Mendoza(powerfully stating).
As per data published in 2023 by Financial Times, an alarming statistic reveals that migrant workers constitute over 50% of the UK’s fishing workforce totaling around 11,000 employees; sizeable portion being Filipinos entangled within this industry for decades impacted grievously due to exploitative use of transit visas meant for merchant seafarers—casting aside fundamental employment laws leading to deprivation in essential labor protections.
The Abuse Linked with Visa Loopholes
Mendoza stressed that “this loop concerning transit visas only exacerbates the torment faced by Filipino fishers—rendering them replaceable commodities subjected to incessant work hours devoid a sustainable income while burdened by recruitment debts showcasing blatant violation against ILO Convention 188.”
Pursuing Legislation That Protects Migrant Workforce
The TUCP has persistently advocated towards ratifying ILO Convention No. 188 on behalf all fisher folks domestically but most critically abroad too; having recently introduced House Resolution No. 2059 during Congress urging immediate action from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., pressing him prioritize its ratification alongside seeking quick Senate concurrence.
“Countless Filipino fishers endure harsh working environments while barely making enough income just sustaining family needs back home—a desperate search propels many towards overseas employment resulting often times into circumstances involving forced labor or human trafficking,” warned Mendoza decisively.
Recent Developments: Skilled Worker Visas Introduction
The UK government unveiled plans allowing migrant fishers eligibility under Skilled Worker Visas acknowledging their integral roles among offshore teams providing guarantees related to beneficial provisions like improved wages amongst other workplace protections addressing previous criticisms faced towards systemic gaps present across industries utilizing such labour sources globally! However despite recognition big issues loom especially surrounding high visa processing fees alongside limited English competency test requirements creating barriers hindering accessibilities thereby complicating matters further outlined substantially.” lamented Mendoza eloquently pointing this concern out intensively throughout discussions held today.”
A Call For Bilateral Labor Agreements And Collaboration Efforts
TUCP passionately advocates for establishing bilateral agreements between Philippines UK so respective guidelines promote suitable work contracts safeguarding interests throughout entire migrant sectors primarily focused ensuring accessible opportunities available lowering entry costs whilst enhancing ethical recruitment standards.” Notably emphasized.”
“We look forward collaborating constructively alongside Ambassador Locsin along MWO tackling predominant factors impacting our crewmembers uplifting their statuses recognizing vital contributions enabling benefits stemming from skilled worker category so meeting constitutional foreground laid against fairness principles “. This initiative resonates powerfully underpinning comprehensive governmental approach facilitated via Foreign Affairs(DFA ) & Department’sMigrantWorkers’(DMW ) strategic partnerships cementing solidarity advancing issues cross borders enhancing perspectives regarding welfare initiatives !” stated emphatically !”
“Filipino fishermen dedicate immense efforts risking safety thoroughly devote themselves nurturing livelihoods fulfilling demands even risking life itself ensuring food supply reaching every household across United Kingdom thus deserving equitable treatment acknowledged wages exemplifying respect earned through toil suffered previously endured realities inflicted!” concluded articulately deployed insights demanding change underscored promoting dignity expected rightly within regions currently marginalized thoroughly defying systemic injustices confronted regularly daily basis!”
