DoLE establishes maritime labor affairs office

The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) announced Tuesday the creation of a new office dedicated to addressing the legal, employment, and welfare concerns of Filipino seafarers.

DoLE Secretary Francis Tolentino signed an administrative order dated 24 August establishing the Maritime Labor Affairs Office under the office of the secretary.

"The establishment of the MLAO reinforces the State’s mandate under the Constitution and Republic Act 12021, or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, to protect the rights and overall welfare of Filipino seafarers and promote their full employment and equal opportunities in the maritime industry," the agency said in a statement.

The newly formed office is tasked with providing legal assistance, dispute settlement, conciliation, workers' education, and employment services.

It brings together representatives from key DoLE agencies, including the National Labor Relations Commission, National Conciliation and Mediation Board, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Bureau of Working Conditions, Bureau of Labor Relations, Bureau of Local Employment, Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns and the Legal Service.

Officials said the office will oversee the fair and prompt execution of decisions regarding monetary awards, including salaries, statutory benefits, and death or disability claims.

The body will also handle dispute resolution through the Single Entry Approach.

To assist seafarers lacking financial means, the office will coordinate free legal representation through the Labor Attorney's Office, the Public Attorney's Office, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, or accredited law school legal aid clinics.

The office is also mandated to improve pre-employment, employment, and post-employment support. Initiatives include partnering with maritime schools for skills training, offering job referrals through the PhilJobNet portal and local employment offices, and granting access to livelihood programs for displaced, repatriated, retired, or injured seafarers and their families.