UNITED FOR FILIPINO MIGRANT FISHERS: A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT
In London, TUCP President and House Deputy Speaker Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza led a meeting at the Philippine Embassy with key figures including Ambassador Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Lopez Locsin Jr., Consul Raphael Hermoso from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Maritime Attaché Attorney Sharon Aledo, and Sheila Mae Aguilar, Officer-in-Charge of the Migrant Workers Office-Oversseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). Other attendees included Associated Philippine Seafarers Union (APSU) Vice President for Operation, Atty. Generick Humprey Morales and Archie Ranin, Chief of Staff for TUCP Party-list.
A CALL FOR CHANGE IN THE FISHING INDUSTRY
The discussion centered around london-robbery-leaves-her-traumatized-and-stranded-without-passport-and-belongings/” title=”Catriona Gray's London Robbery Leaves Her 'Traumatized' and Stranded Without Passport and Belongings”>addressing the pervasive exploitation that Filipino fishers experience while working on UK vessels. Mendoza emphasized that these individuals form the backbone of the UK fishing sector yet are often invisible, overworked, underpaid, and devoid of fundamental labor protections.
“Our kababayan serve as integral contributors to Britain’s fishing industry; it is unacceptable that they endure harsh conditions without basic rights,” noted Mendoza passionately during this crucial dialogue.
ADDRESSING STATISTICS AND SYSTEMIC ISSUES
A 2023 report by Financial Times highlighted a staggering statistic: over 50% of the UK’s fishing workforce—comprising around 11,000 individuals—are migrant workers. Among them are countless Filipinos who have faced unfair treatment due to loopholes in transit visa regulations originally intended for merchant seafarers. These laws have allowed employers to sidestep essential employment rights.
“This loophole has led to an environment where Filipino fishers are treated like disposable labor,” Mendoza stated emphatically. “They are compelled to work endlessly with meager compensation while being encumbered by recruitment debts — all in blatant violation of ILO Convention 188.”
A STRATEGIC PUSH FOR LABOR REFORM
The TUCP has been advocating for ratification of ILO Convention No. 188 both domestically and internationally throughout various Congress sessions. In their recent appeal within the 19th Congress through House Resolution No. 2059, they urged President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to prioritize this issue with urgency.
Mendoza raised serious concerns: “Millions struggle under exploitative contracts worldwide often leading them into forced labor or human trafficking while trying to find better opportunities abroad.” This highlights how many fishermen face dire circumstances only after leaving home in hopes of achieving financial stability.
NEW VISA OPPORTUNITIES WITH CHALLENGES REMAINING
The United Kingdom recently unveiled new Skilled Worker Visa options enabling migrant fishers recognition as offshore workers entitled to critical benefits such as improved pay rates and legal protections alongside provisions allowing family reunification efforts. However; there remains substantial resistance due largely impart due exorbitant fees associated with applying alongside stringent English language assessment requirements which add undue stress upon those affected who wish access these visas promptly – clear barriers still persist according Tucc president’s lamentations regarding accessibility vs necessity orders presented before authorities governing foreign worker protections
