OFW Party List Representative Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino filed House Bill No. 10166 or An Act Providing for the Magna Carta for Aviation Professionals and Workers in the Philippines.
The proposed Magna Carta for Aviation Professionals and Workers, which was drafted with the help of industry stakeholders, aims to codify the rights and protection of aviation professionals and workers as expressed in international instruments and domestic laws of the Philippines; strengthen accountability of both the private and public sectors in the employment of aviation professionals and workers in the country; and maintain a sustainable pool of aviation professionals and workers in the country.
The party list lawmaker highlighted the air transport’s importance to the economy through generation of local employment, the spending poured in by international and domestic airlines and their supply chain, its impact on trade flows, tourism and inflow of investments into the country, and its provision of speedy connections between countries and cities, which are all fundamental drivers of economic growth, and more importantly a key in labor migration.
However, Rep. Magsino emphasized that the aviation industry’s success is dependent on the working conditions of its professionals and workers, including pilots, air traffic controllers, cabin crews, and ground staff. Working conditions and benefits are critical to the job satisfaction and top performance of aviation professionals. Thus, she filed House Bill 10166, which aims to promote and improve the competitiveness, job security, and the socio-economic status of local aviation professionals and workers in the country, including the provision of humane working conditions, just and fair employment terms, and progressive career development, and to ensure a sustainable working pool of aviation professionals and workers in the Philippines.
“Air transport plays a pivotal role in our economy, in our tourism initiatives, and also in labor migration. However, the international aviation community anticipates a shortage of skilled aviation professionals and workers in the near future. Because of the rise of infrastructure, increase in passengers and flights, and overall globalization, there has also been a greater demand for aviation professionals in the country. In order to address this important issue, the government must take initiatives to ensure that enough qualified and competent aviation professionals and workers are available and willing to operate, manage and maintain the future air transport system in the country. Hence, we need to put a premium on the plight of its professionals and workers, and ensure good working conditions and benefits for them,” Rep. Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino said.
House Bill 10166 also covers guidelines for salary and compensation, working hours and overtime pay, hazard pay, compensation for work-related injuries, free medical examinations, workers’ right to freely organize and join professional organizations of their choice, prohibitions on salary deductions, and non-diminution of benefits. It also mandates the establishment of a Code of Professional Conduct to be overseen by relevant government agencies and industry stakeholders.
“The Philippine commercial aviation industry must focus on moving forward with a clear outlook on future labor plans, creative ways to attract and retain talent, and increasing labor efficiency. With the diligence and competence of aviation professionals and workers in the performance of their tasks, a safe and comfortable flight coming in and out of the country, or to and from their hometown destinations, is also assured for the benefit of our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). As representative of our OFWs in Congress, this bill forms an integral part of my advocacy.” Rep. Marissa “Del Mar,”Magsino said.
