As the nation observes Araw ng mga Manggagawa and the world celebrates International Labor Day this May 1, the Associated Marine Officers' and Seamen's Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP) is calling for a strengthened "tripartite" approach to protect maritime workers navigating increasingly volatile global waters.
In a statement, AMOSUP President Dr. Conrado Oca underscored the indispensable role of seafarers, particularly those moving critical oil supplies from the Middle East. He emphasized that the "indomitable strength" of these workers keeps the global economy running, mirroring the essential role they played during the COVID-19 crisis.
At the core of AMOSUP’s mission is tripartism—the collaborative synergy between labor, government, and employers. Dr. Oca described this three-pronged approach as a "lifeline" rather than just a policy.
"AMOSUP has always believed in tripartism, and it is in these moments that we must stand strong together to ensure the safety, welfare, and security of employment for our seafarers," Dr. Oca stated, highlighting the union's close coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and international shipping companies.
Providing historical depth, AMOSUP Vice President for Internal Affairs Atty. Jesus P. Sale Jr. recalled how the late Capt. Gregorio Oca championed tripartite engagement to resolve maritime issues. Atty. Sale, a former social security commissioner representing workers who witnessed the development of the Maritime Labor Convention (MLC) 2006 at the ILO, noted that tripartism is now institutionalized under Republic Act 10395.
Atty. Sale proposed that this concept should now evolve. Given the massive economic contributions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), he argued that the tripartite model must be expanded to ensure that both sea-based and land-based workers are represented and consulted as a distinct group within government policy-making bodies and GOCCs to better address such workers' unique concerns and issues.
Reaffirming the global mantra that "Seafarers Move the World," Dr. Oca pledged that the union remains committed to ensuring Filipino seafarers are protected amidst unpredictable regional tensions.
The union’s message for Labor Day remains clear: the safety and dignity of the Filipino seafarer must remain a top global priority, supported by the collective strength of the government and the shipping industry.