New bill aims to promote Filipino seafarers welfare

TIN news:  In order to promote the welfare of Filipino seafarers and their families, the  House Committee on overseas workers has passed the proposed “Magna Carta”, an unnumbered bill addressing to the country’s seafarers, according to local media.  

The bill intends to improve seafarers’ working conditions, as well as the socio-economic prosperity of their families. It also aims to enhance their terms of employment and career potentials. The Filipino seafarers, that have the right to the bill, are those engaged, employed, or working in any capacity on board Philippine registered ships operating domestically or internationally, as well as those on board foreign registered ships.

Specifically, “Magna Carta” aims to ensure decent working and living conditions on board, in the particular areas of rights consistent with Philippine laws or international maritime conventions, such as:

• medical care and other forms of health and
• social protection:  fair terms and conditions of employment including salary, hours of work, basis for wage computation, minimum number of working hours and rest period.