Joint Memorandum of Understanding brings together Department of Migrant Workers with ITF and Philippine seafarer union.
The Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP) and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) jointly signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Philippine government’s Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), to establish a framework for coordinated, timely and practical assistance to Filipino seafarers and their families.
As part of AMOSUP’s 66th Founding Anniversary celebration, AMOSUP President and ITF Seafarers’ Section 1st Vice Chair, Dr Conrado Oca, hosted the ceremonial signing of the agreement – which comes against the backdrop of war and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, among other challenges faced by Filipino maritime workers today.
Dr Oca emphasised that AMOSUP’s partnerships with the government and international partners remain an important part of the Union’s work.
“The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between and among AMOSUP, the Department of Migrant Workers and the International Transport Workers’ Federation further solidifies our commitment and reaffirms our shared ideals in protecting and advancing the welfare and best interests of Filipino seafarers around the world,” he said.
The areas of cooperation covered by the MoU include information sharing, coordinated case handling, assistance on cases involving piracy, high-risk areas and abandonment, welfare and family support, and capacity building, such as training, research and consultations on seafarers’ rights, safety, mental health, welfare, relevant international labor standards and emerging maritime concerns.
In his message following the signing, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said: “The partnerships and the interventions that are needed to help seafarers and, let’s care to add, their families… this is all music to our ears in terms of the parties, the social partners banding together to take very positive, inspired action.”
In a separate meeting, Secretary Cacdac expressed his gratitude to AMOSUP and the ITF for their support. He said that the MoU is aligned with the government’s Voyage Plan 2030, which highlights four strategic pillars: protecting seafarers, securing future-ready competence, delivering with accountability, and sustaining the seafaring industry, essentially aiming to maintain the Philippines’ position as the world’s number one provider of seafarers to the global maritime fleet.
“Having such partners gives the government greater confidence, knowing it is not alone in protecting the lives, safety, and wellbeing of Filipino seafarers,” Cacdac added.
ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton said: “The ITF is at the heart of setting the standards that empower seafarers all around the world – Filipino seafarers are truly at the heart of the maritime industry, and we’re delighted to work with our partners to do more to protect and support them and the vital work they do.
“Together, we can now do more to promote Filipino seafarers in the global maritime industry, bring more into the ITF and ensure that their rights and interests are always front and centre.”
ENDS
