"x x x.
The proposed measure defines the fundamental rights to safe and secure workplace and fair terms of employment as prescribed by the MLC. To wit, Senate Bill 21 provides the following:
· Right to self-organization and to engage in collective bargaining and to participate in democratic exercises
· Right to educational advancement and training at reasonable and affordable costs
· Right to adequate and relevant information regarding their rights and benefits, conditions and realities attendant to their profession
· Right to be consulted before adopting any policy or regulation that may affect them
· Right against discrimination by reason of race, sex, religion and political opinion;
· Right to access to communication
· Right to decent wage rates (as set by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards)
· Eight-hour work period (in no case to exceed 14 hours in any 24-hour work period, and 72 hours in any 7-day period)
· Payment of annual leave (minimum of 2.5 calendar days per month of employment)
· Right to health and medical care
· Right to social welfare benefits
· Right to expeditious dispute settlement and complaint procedures
· Access to reintegration programs (livelihood development, training and placement services) offered by concerned government agencies
According to ILO, there are more than 1.2 million seafarers worldwide and Filipino seafarers make up 30% of the global shipping fleet. Philippines, on the other hand, has 40,000 local seafarers manning domestic ships navigating the Philippine waters for purposes of commerce, transportation and trade.
x x x."
