Better working conditions await seafarers

MANILA, Philippines - Seafarers on board domestic vessels are set to enjoy better health and working conditions after the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) issued a new regulation promoting their welfare and protection.

Based on Department Order No. 129 published in The STAR yesterday,  seafarers are entitled to salaries not lower than the minimum wage rates, holiday pay and special day benefits.

They are also entitled to one rest day every week and additional pay if required to work on their days off.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said the seafarers would also get overtime pay for work in excess of eight hours a day, night shift pay of 10 percent, five days incentive leave and 13th month pay.

She said these workers would be entitled to paid maternity and paternity leaves, and parental leaves of seven days for single parents, special leave of 60 days for those who underwent surgery and retirement pay upon reaching 60 years old.

The DOLE chief said the minimum rest hours for seafarers should not be less than 10 hours a day and they have the right to form a labor organization.

She said the new regulation is in compliance with the Maritime Labor Convention of 2006, which is set to be fully implemaented this August.

The new regulation also requires the vessel owners or the shipping companies to establish a safe and health committee and provide adequate medical services for crewmembers.

The seafarers, Baldoz said, are also entitled to benefits provided by the Social Security System, PHilHealth, Employees Compensation and State Insurance and Pag-Ibig.

The DOLE is also set to formulate guidelines for the implementation of occupational safety and health policy and programs for these workers.

Baldoz said compliance with the new regulations should start by the end of this month.