DOLE: No Massive OFW Displacement Despite Europe Crisis

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) sees no massive displacement of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) despite the debt crisis in Europe.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said the debt crisis affecting Italy and other European countries is unlikely to affect employment of Filipino workers there.

“Even if there is crisis, usually the employers do not pre-terminate existing contracts. They are just finishing their contracts so it won’t affect our workers there,” Baldoz said.

Baldoz noted the DOLE has not observed any sharp decline in hiring or job orders for Filipino workers in Europe at present.

Continue reading at Philippine Star

Migrant Groups in Europe Call for Protection for Filipino Au Pairs

Migrant organizations and advocacy groups supporting migrant rights are appealing to Vice-President Jejomar Binay to address the needs of Filipino au pairs in Europe. They also said the vice president was seriously mistaken if he believes that au pairs are overseas Filipino workers employed as household helpers.

Last week, Binay said the Philippine government may consider proposals to lift its ban against sending Filipinas to European countries to participate in the so-called” “au pair” programs where families provide the au pair with room, board, and a small salary in exchange for taking care of small children. Binay said reinstating the au pair program in some European countries will bring employment opportunities to Filipinos.

“I believe this would facilitate the establishment of education and employment opportunities in Europe for Filipinos, particularly those who have been affected by the political situation in the Middle East,” Binay said in a statement.

According to reports, the Philippines stopped sending au pairs to Europe in 1997 after the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) received reports of maltreatment, including being given unfair compensation; being forced to work an excessive number of hours and being subjected to sexual harassment.

Continue reading at Bulatlat