Influx of illegal Chinese workers taking Filipinos’ jobs in construction alarming – TUCP

By TUCP
September 24, 2013

QUEZON CITY – The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), the largest labor center in the country, is alarmed over reports of growing number of Chinese nationals illegally working as construction workers in the country and its implication to employment opportunities for Filipino workers.

"As vanguards of Filipino workers' rights and well-being, the TUCP is gravely concerned over reports of foreigners, notably, Chinese nationals, particularly in the construction industry, allegedly working without the required government working permit. This phenomenon has very serious adverse implications not only in the local construction industry but also in the current unemployment and underemployment situation in the country. If this phenomenon is not addressed immediately, it will undermine the entire job security in our country," said Gerard Seno, executive vice president of the Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP).

He said the TUCP learned that more than 3,000 Chinese are currently working illegally in Bataan and in Batangas provinces under multinational private contractor.

The scheme is proliferating with unscrupulous foreign contractors circumventing the law by applying for 300 work permits but actually employs hundred other foreign workers. Weak enforcement and lack of enforcers of labor laws allows the issue to persist.

"The gravity of the situation calls for the Bureau of Immigration, the municipal and city mayors, and the regional labor officers to step in and assert government power and authority the soonest time possible. We call on government agencies to enforce immigration and labor laws not only to protect Filipino workers but also free the Chinese nationals from the bondage of this worst form of modern-day slavery," Seno added.