Uniting for the Rights of Filipino Migrant Fishermen
During a significant meeting at the Philippine Embassy in London, TUCP President and Deputy Speaker of the House Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza engaged with critical officials to address serious issues concerning Filipino fishermen working on UK vessels. Among those present were Philippine Ambassador Teodoro ”Teddy Boy” Lopez Locsin Jr., Deputy Permanent Representative to the IMO Consul Raphael Hermoso, Maritime Attaché Atty. Sharon Aledo, and OWWA London Officer-in-Charge Sheila Mae Aguilar. Also attending were key representatives from labor unions.
Addressing Exploitation in the Fishing Sector
The discussions centered on the pressing problem of exploitative practices that these workers endure in their roles within the UK fishing industry. Mendoza expressed that Filipino fishermen are integral to this sector yet often find themselves marginalized, overworked, and receiving meager pay without basic labor protections.
“Our fellow countrymen form the foundation of Britain’s fishing operations but often exist as unnoticed and undervalued laborers,” Mendoza asserted passionately during the meeting.
The State of Migrant Workers in UK Fishing
A recent report highlighted by industry analysts indicates that migrant workers make up more than 50% of Britain’s 11,000-strong fishing workforce, many being Filipinos who face systemic exploitation. For many years now, employers have exploited a loophole regarding transit visas intended for merchant seafarers to circumvent employment regulations.
Mendoza pointed out how this loophole has led to widespread abuse: “The misuse of transit visas allows employers to view our fishermen as expendable resources—forcing them into endless work hours with little compensation while incurring heavy recruitment debts.” This situation starkly contravenes international labor standards exemplified by ILO Convention 188.
Paving Paths for Change Through Legislation
The TUCP has long urged Philippine authorities to ratify international agreements such as ILO Convention No. 188 which safeguards workers’ rights at sea. Recently dubbed House Resolution No. 2059 was filed during Congress advocating immediate action from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.to ratify this vital convention without delay.
Mendoza warned that millions remain trapped in harsh working conditions both domestically and abroad: “With limited opportunities back home forcing them towards overseas employment—often resulting in forced labor or trafficking—our fishers deserve better.”
A Step Forward: The Skilled Worker Visa Policy
In response to mounting criticism surrounding migrant fisher rights, the UK Government unveiled new provisions allowing these workers access to Skilled Worker Visas—an acknowledgment aimed at improving their conditions through increased wages and benefits alongside essential legal protections.
“While progress is evident with Skilled Worker Visas providing some measure of relief,” Mendoza noted critically,” substantial barriers still persist including steep visa costs and challenging language requirements preventing access for many potential applicants.”
Aiming for Bilateral Labor Agreements
The TUCP advocates forging a bilateral agreement between Philippines and England designed specifically to standardize work contracts ensuring all migrant fishers benefit from protective measures regardless of immigration status besides broadening access criteria making it financially viable senior positions available more accessible even among lower-skilled positions traditionally occupied by Filipinos thereby strengthening cooperative efforts targeting ethical recruiting practices necessary across both nations moving forward!
This commitment towards addressing grievances underlines continued collaboration between various stakeholders comprising government entities consistent partners including not excluding advocacy groups focusing particularly heightened recognition elevating professional status skilled occupations granted! This aligns neatly aligned ambitious governmental initiatives supporting foreign relations & protecting rights shining light upon neglected issues directly impacting livelihoods right throughout ocean-bound services provided primarily through hard-working members community residing afar!
“It is time recognition bestowed appropriately recompensing dignity matters greatly individuals sacrificed countless hardships gaining rightful remuneration delivering fine seafood households across United Kingdom; be it socially accepted approached ensured younger generations can achieve dreams abandon fears rooted within oppressive structures ruled forever unchallenged,” concluded firmly asserting hopes leading forward achieving optimal fairness safeguarding against known challenges lies fundamentally restrictive nature public perception ongoing struggle hitting fabric intimately every profession present-position globally today-played past beholds great responsibility instilled within foundations shared pioneering comrades strong faith conversion institutionalized dialogue cultivated genuine empathy driven conviction enriching everyday lives consequently fostering respect values crucial growth should persistently thrive!
