Fishermen are now entitled to receive 13th month and overtime pay as well as other benefits similar to other workers, according to Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz.
Baldoz issued Department Order no. 156-16 that provides the rules and regulations governing the working and living conditions of Filipino fishermen on board fishing vessels engaged in commercial fishing operations.
“This is a boon to our fishermen in the commercial fishing industry since the order sets employment standards, such as minimum wage, holiday and premium pay, overtime pay, night shift differential pay, paid service incentive leave and 13th month pay,” Baldoz said.
The order also applies to fishers, captains or masters on board Philippine-registered fishing vessels engaged in commercial fishing operation in Philippine or international waters.
“They are also entitled to paid maternity, paternity, parental and solo parents leave, including paid leave of 10 days if they are victims of violence,” Baldoz said.
She said the engagement of Filipino fishers must be bound by an agreement in a language or dialect understandable by the workers.