Fisherfolk to get fixed salary, benefits

MANILA, Philippines - Fisherfolk employed by commercial fishing companies will get a fixed salary and other benefits, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced yesterday.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said DOLE has issued Department Order 156-16 granting fishers minimum wage, holiday pay and overtime pay equivalent to 25 percent of their basic salary.

The order also provides differential pay as well as paid vacation leaves, maternity and paternity leaves, 13th-month pay and retirement pay.

Baldoz said the compensation scheme provides performance-based pay aside from the minimum wage.

She said the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards would issue the advisories for the grant of a productivity-based pay scheme.

Baldoz said fishers must be allowed meal breaks of not less than one hour and rest period of 10 hours per day.

“The new policy regulates relations between workers and employers as well as recognizes the right of labor to its just share in the fruits of production and the rights of companies to reasonable return,” she said.

Baldoz said the DOLE order guarantees fishers the right to form a union and come up with collective bargaining agreements.

She said boat captains should ensure the safety of fishers, who shall also be required to attend occupational safety and health trainings.

The order prohibits hiring of fishers below 18 years old and requires medical examination prior to employment.

Vessel owners are required to issue certificates of employment stating the duration and nature of work of their employees.