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OFWO appeals for change to systematic challenges faced in VI
Formed in 2023, the organisation advocates for fair treatment, cultural integration, and the welfare of Filipino workers in the territory and is headed by Iits President Mrs Joanna E. Miranda-Gaskin who along with Assitant Secretary Janice Miranda, recently sought to shed light on the organisation’s goals and the pressing issues impacting Filipino overseas workers in the VI.
Gaskin, herself a former overseas Filipino worker who now calls the VI home, stressed the importance of supporting individuals navigating life away from their homeland.
Speaking with Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, Mrs Gaskin spoke to the group’s commitment to building a better community while addressing the challenges faced by Filipino workers.
‘Voices for the masses’- Mrs Gaskin
"Our primary goal is to listen to our members and voice their concerns. We are the voices for the masses, especially the migrants. You bring them here, and our labour force is essential to building this community. It’s only fair that their needs are met, and their voices are heard,” she said.
The OFWO, which serves over 4,000 Filipinos in the VI, aims to ensure that workers feel supported as they navigate life in a foreign land.
"When you come here, you don’t know the culture or the customs," Gaskin explained. "We want to help them integrate into the BVI community while preserving their own traditions."
Mrs Gaskin emphasised that the organisation seeks to model inclusivity and service saying, "We’re creating a platform for healthy living, connecting people to the culture and traditions of the BVI, and building bridges between Filipinos and the local community."
Workers’ Rights
One of the major challenges faced by the Filipino community she added is the non-payment of National Health Insurance (NHI), Social Security, and Inland Revenue contributions by some employers.
Mrs Gaskin expressed her frustration with the system, which often leaves workers vulnerable in emergencies saying, "Some employers deduct the contributions but don’t pay them; If a worker gets sick or injured, their NHI isn’t active, and they’re left to pay high medical bills out of pocket. That’s unacceptable."
She has since called on the relevant authorities and employers alike to proactively address these issues promptly.
"Let the employees pay their contributions directly so they can access services when they need them," she urged, "We can’t wait until something detrimental happens to take action. This is the time to make a difference."
Gaskin used the occasion to also stress that employers must treat their workers with respect, noting, "If you want your company to grow, you have to take care of your people."
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25 Responses to “OFWO appeals for change to systematic challenges faced in VI”
Four thousand that are counted how many not counted?
This includes the unconscionable cruel and immoral acts of thievery perpetrated on immigants by employers not submitting funds witheld from employees salaries for ,among other things Social Security and Hospitilization.
Proven Factual and routine occurrences!
This mistreatment is an International crime against humanity.. An organized group as has been forthcoming with this appalling grievance is a step in the right direction. Most definitely the Governor shoulbemade are wth a formal written complaint. A formal complaint to the United Nations would be wise.
It is a fact that the majority of employers who deduct but do not pay in their employees’ contributions are employers who have been doing this for YEARS . Yet, these same employers continue to get new work permits approved by the Labour department.
So, if it is the law that all these institutions work together, each one will know what’s going on with the other (in terms of employers’ contributions payment status with SSB and NHI). Therefore, if the employer owes SSB and NHI, especially if these institutions have had to resort to legal action to collect outstanding contributions ,THEN, NO NEW WORK PERMITS SHOULD BE ISSUED UNTIL THE CONTRIBUTIONS HAVE BEEN PAID.
And this is about all delinquent employers regardless of where they’re recruiting the employees from. Too many employees are suffering at the hands of their employers. This group and many other groups are lamenting no payment of their deducted contributions. Others have the issue where they’re not being paid on time or their paycheck is short the amount they’re to be paid
Many, many issues still to be dealt with here. I would hope though that prospective employees properly research the company that they’re coming in to work for. The grass is not always greener on the other side.