Source link : https://londonnews24.com/2025/02/18/news/tucp-urges-bilateral-labor-agreement-with-the-uk-to-protect-filipino-migrant-fishers-from-exploitation/
Advocating for Filipino Migrant Fishermen: A Call to Action
In London, a significant dialogue ensued at the Philippine Embassy among prominent figures including TUCP President and Deputy Speaker of the House Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza. Engaging with him were 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 Archie Ranin, TUCP Party-list Chief of Staff, and Generick Humprey Morales from the Associated Philippine Seafarers Union (APSU).
Addressing Exploitation in the Fishing Sector
LONDON — During this vital meeting hosted by TUCP’s leadership, critical discussions focused on improving conditions for Filipino fishermen employed on UK ships who often face severe exploitation. The attendees addressed concerns regarding labor rights and discussed potential advocacy for a revamped visa structure that prioritizes these workers’ welfare.
“Filipino workers form a crucial part of the UK’s fishing sector but often remain marginalized—overworked without fair compensation or fundamental labor protections,” declared Mendoza passionately. “The time has come to end this cycle of abuse.”
The Magnitude of Migration in Fisheries
Citing data from Financial Times’ 2023 report, it was revealed that over half of Britain’s fishing workforce—amounting to approximately 5,500 individuals—is composed of migrant laborers like Filipinos. For years now, British fisheries have leveraged transit visas intended for merchant seafarers as loopholes to evade regulations meant to protect these vulnerable workers.
Mendoza criticized this practice: “The misuse of transit visas perpetuates an environment where Filipino fishers are treated as expendable labor—working ceaselessly while receiving meager pay—and routinely burdened with unjust recruitment fees that contravene ILO Convention 188.”
A Push for Reform: Immediate Steps Needed
The TUCP has consistently urged ratification of ILO Convention No. 188 by the Philippines government—not only benefiting those at home but equally emphasizing protections for overseas workers. In light of recent legislative sessions, they have reintroduced House Resolution No. 2059 aimed at compelling President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. towards swift action on this front.
“Countless Filipino fishermen contend with penury-inducing conditions,” Mendoza lamented further. “With negligible prospects awaiting them back home due predominantly to systemic barriers; many seek employment abroad only to confront forced servitude and dreadful treatment upon international waters.”
New Opportunities Amidst Challenges
The UK government recently introduced Skilled Worker Visas allowing migrant fishers legal recognition as offshore laborers entitled to better wages and essential benefits like family reunification opportunities—a positive initial stride toward reform according to advocates like Mendoza.
“However,” he continued cautiously, “access remains restricted due largely because prospective applicants face exorbitant fees associated with visas coupled with difficult English proficiency tests—all hindering their rightful place in safer working environments.”
Pursuing Cooperative Agreements Between Nations
The TUCP is now advocating vigorously for a bilateral agreement between both nations aimed at standardizing work contracts while broadening worker rights across all migrant fishermen regardless their origins or statuses—removing financial barriers linked vis-à-vis visa applications thus promoting ethical hiring practices both locally within Filipinos enterprises as well via UK collaborations.
“The sacrifices our fisherfolk endure should grant them rightful dignities among peers—as key contributors feeding families throughout Britain they deserve equitable working stipulations met thoughtfully,” concluded Mendoza firmly against prevailing disparities hindering justice within sectors dominated historically by inequities.”
The post TUCP Urges Bilateral Labor Agreement with the UK to Protect Filipino Migrant Fishers from Exploitation first appeared on London.
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Author : london
Publish date : 2025-02-18 13:26:27
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