"TUCP calls for Philippines-United Kingdom bilateral labor agreement to end exploitation of Filipino migrant fishers in the UK", 16 February 2025

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), led by TUCP President and House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza (TUCP Party-list), met with Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Lopez Locsin Jr. to tackle the urgent issue of exploitation faced by Filipino fishers aboard UK vessels. ... The discussions focused on improving working conditions, securing stronger labor protections, and advocating for a fair visa system that upholds the rights of Filipino migrant fishers.

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... For decades, UK fishing operators exploited transit visas, originally meant for merchant seafarers, to bypass employment laws and deny migrant fishers proper labor protections.

“This transit visa loophole has perpetuated the cruel treatment of Filipino fishers as disposable labor—working them nonstop, paying them little to nothing, and saddling them with recruitment debts in clear violation of ILO Convention 188,” Mendoza emphasized.

The TUCP has long been calling for the Philippines to ratify ILO Convention No. 188 for all fishers at home and most importantly, abroad. ...

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The TUCP is pushing for a bilateral labor agreement between the Philippines and the UK to harmonize work contracts and extend labor protections to all migrant fishers, regardless of status ... strengthen Philippines-UK cooperation for fair and ethical recruitment practices.

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