A Philippines-based recruitment agency, Global Marine and Offshore Resources Inc., has faced suspension of its license due to unlawful practices, particularly charging seafarers placement fees. This action came after the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) exposed their illegal activities and subsequently red-listed them on the ITFShipBeSure.org directory, warning seafarers against seeking employment through this agency.
The Filipino Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) took immediate action, fueled by ITF evidence that four seafarers were charged illegal fees while being placed with employers and on ships that did not match their contracts. Some of these seafarers experienced non-payment, with reports of up to two months’ wages owed.
Three of the seafarers—Ricardo Dagami Aya-ay, Ceasar Abes Jurilla, and Toni Dawn Domanais de Guzman—claimed constructive dismissal due to substantial discrepancies between their contracted roles and the dire working conditions aboard the support vessel Muru. A fourth seafarer, Felix Roondina Impas Jr., faced a similar fate on the small vessel AM 230 and was repatriated due to illness, receiving no compensation or medical treatment despite being cleared of health issues before deployment.
Each seafarer visited the Global Marine offices in Manila, where they were requested to pay between $600 and $1,000 in placement fees, a practice in violation of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) ratified by the Philippines. After the ITF’s intervention, the agency was pressured to refund these illegal fees and return the seafarers to the Philippines. Despite the settlement of $3,000 received by one seafarer, it fell short of the nearly $8,000 owed, with the remaining three still awaiting payment exceeding a total of $11,900.
ITF’s Inspectorate Coordinator Steve Trowsdale highlighted the inadequacies in the manning agency system meant to protect seafarers, urging the DMW to take a stronger stance against corrupt agents to prevent future abuses. The agency has a troubling history with the Sinbad Navigation Company DMCC, the employer of these seafarers, indicating issues of lack of payment, substandard living conditions, and abandonment.
Reports suggest that Global Marine’s assurance of responsibilities was lacking, as they claimed wage liability fell to the shipowner, contradicting regulations that hold the manning agency accountable for unpaid wages. ITF inspector Arvin Peralta expressed frustration over the exploitation of seafarers by dishonest agents, emphasizing the impact on their ability to provide for their families.
The ITF continues to advocate for seafarers, encouraging them to consult the ITFShipBeSure.org for information on unsafe agencies and their rights, aiming to combat the exploitative practices present in the recruitment landscape.
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