The Philippines is a major supplier of seafarers, providing one-fifth of the word’s 1.2 million seafarers. The living and working conditions of seafarers are distinct from conditions for other categories of workers in that their workplace is their home. Ships remain one of the most dangerous places to work, with high casualty figures for seafarers. The global nature of seafarer employment moreover makes it difficult to enforce laws that protect worker rights. The nature of work and the lack of enforcement of standards make seafarers vulnerable to abuse, exploitation, and unfair labour practice.
The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006 is the ILO’s response to protecting workers in the maritime industry. The MLC sets minimum standards for decent work for seafarers, and is a source for enabling laws and polices that focus on the context, needs and issues of Filipino seafarers.
In the Philippines, office assistance is in line with the ILO’s Global Plan of Action to achieve ratification and effective implementation of the convention. There are hindrances, however. Domestic shipping is a concern that affects Philippine readiness to ratify the convention. Employment of workers is another concern, with maritime schools and training centres graduating 20,000 students each year, but a small percentage of graduates finding employment.
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