Urgent discussions highlight the need for better protections for Filipino fishers in the UK.
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In a significant meeting held in London, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), led by President Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza, engaged with Philippine Ambassador to the UK, Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Lopez Locsin Jr. The discussions centered on the alarming exploitation faced by Filipino fishers working aboard UK vessels, a situation that has persisted for far too long.
Urgent need for labor protections
Filipino fishers are often described as the backbone of the UK’s fishing industry, yet they remain largely invisible, overworked, and underpaid. Mendoza emphasized that these workers are denied basic labor protections and are trapped in a cycle of exploitation.
“This must stop right now,” he asserted, highlighting the urgent need for reforms that ensure fair treatment and adequate compensation for these essential workers.
According to recent reports, over half of the UK’s fishing workforce of approximately 11,000 is comprised of migrant workers, including a significant number of Filipinos. For decades, UK fishing operators have exploited a loophole in transit visa regulations, originally intended for merchant seafarers, to circumvent employment laws. This has resulted in the cruel treatment of Filipino fishers, who are often subjected to grueling work conditions, minimal pay, and overwhelming recruitment debts, in clear violation of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 188.
Calls for legislative action
The TUCP has long advocated for the Philippines to ratify ILO Convention No. 188, which aims to protect the rights of fishers both domestically and abroad. In the 19th Congress, the TUCP filed House Resolution No. 2059, urging President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to act swiftly in ratifying this crucial convention. Mendoza warned that millions of Filipino fishers endure exploitative conditions, often leading to forced labor and human trafficking in international waters.
Recently, the UK Government announced that migrant fishers can now apply for Skilled Worker Visas, a move that formally recognizes their status as offshore workers and guarantees essential benefits such as higher wages and labor protections. However, Mendoza pointed out that significant barriers remain, including high visa costs and stringent English proficiency requirements, which hinder many fishers from accessing these new opportunities.
Proposed bilateral labor agreement
In light of these challenges, the TUCP is advocating for a bilateral labor agreement between the Philippines and the UK. This agreement aims to harmonize work contracts, extend labor protections to all migrant fishers, and lower barriers to visa eligibility, making it more accessible and affordable for Filipino workers. Mendoza emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between the Philippines and the UK to ensure fair and ethical recruitment practices.
Ambassador Locsin and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) have pledged to collaborate with the TUCP and other organizations to address the concerns of Filipino fishers. This initiative aligns with the Philippine government’s comprehensive approach to securing a bilateral agreement with the UK, spearheaded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Migrant Workers.
“Filipino fishers sacrifice their blood, sweat, and tears to feed UK households. It is high time they receive the fair terms and conditions of work, treatment, and wages they deserve,” Mendoza concluded. The proposed Philippines-United Kingdom bilateral labor agreement represents a crucial step towards achieving dignity, fairness, and justice for Filipino fishers in the UK fishing industry.
