PH may lose status as top supplier of sailors – TUCP

THE Philippines risks losing its status as the top global supplier of seafarers because of the government’s stringent health restrictions to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and lack of budgetary support, according to the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP).

The country’s biggest labor group warned that the international merchant marine and cargo shippers’ preference for Filipino seafarers might soon diminish because of quarantine requirements and travel restrictions imposed by local government units. It also cited the lack of budgetary support from the national government for the seafarers’ board and lodging fees, as well as for Covid-19 testing costs.