Pinoys in New Zealand seek protection under ILO standards
abs-cbnNEWS.com
03/24/2009 11:30 PM
A Filipino migrant group based in New Zealand has appealed to its host countrys government to uphold the principles set by the International Labor Organization (ILO)
The groups call was made especially during this period of job cuts due to the world economic crisis.
We are seeking protection for migrant workers from unions and employers that enforce the policy to get rid of migrants first. Our call is for unions, employers and government to work on a fair and transparent process in selecting workers who will be redundant and not just based on their colors, said Dennis Maga, national coordinator of Migrante Aotearoa.
Migrante Aotearoa urged the New Zealand government, unions and employers to abide by the ILOs Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and its Follow-Up (1998).
The group stated that the ILO standards provide necessary guidance for national law and policy to ensure protection of migrant workers.
They hope that host countries recognize the importance of migrants and their rights to decent jobs.
The group is aware that New Zealand immigration would likely enforce restrictions on the entry of overseas workers in the face of the current recession.
But we expect unions and employers to also guarantee the rights embodied in the ILO standards of those currently working here who have made significant contribution to the New Zealand economy, Maga said.
He added: While local workers stand to benefit from government support when they lose jobs, Filipino migrant workers who paid an average of 8,000 10,000 New Zealand dollars to work in New Zealand face bigger losses when they are the ones made redundant and forced to go home.
as of 03/24/2009 11:31 PM
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Latest in Pinoy Migration
10 Sentosa nurses, lawyer to sue New York prosecutors
Somali pirates seize chemical tanker with 18 Pinoys
Pinoy docs in demand in Mideast
25,000 jobs in Canada exclusively for Pinoys
Kin wants to be with terminally-ill caregiver in Canada
Even with economic crisis, beauticians are in demand abroad
