The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has launched the Maritime Labor Affairs Office (MLAO) to enhance support and protection for Filipino seafarers. This initiative, outlined in Administrative Order No. 283, aims to provide a range of services including legal assistance, dispute resolution, and educational resources tailored for maritime workers.
Operating under the Office of the Labor Secretary, the MLAO will collaborate with various agencies responsible for labor relations, mediation, skills development, and employment conditions. This coordination is designed to ensure that seafarers receive comprehensive and responsive support throughout their careers at sea.
The office will also play a crucial role in the fair enforcement of decisions related to seafarers’ salaries, statutory benefits, and claims concerning death and disability. Employment disputes will be addressed through a structured process of conciliation, mediation, and arbitration known as the Single Entry Approach, streamlining conflict resolution for maritime workers.
Additionally, the MLAO will facilitate access to free legal assistance for seafarers through the Labor Attorney’s Office of the Public Attorney’s Office, further bolstering the support network available to this vital sector of the workforce.
