Pinoy health workers to be exploited under Jpepa

MANILA, Philippines — While supporters claim that the Japan Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (Jpepa) will create more work opportunities for Filipino nurses and caregivers, a study showed they would face "exploitative work conditions and even discrimination" under the pact, militant think tank IBON Foundation said on Thursday. IBON cited a study by University of Kitakyushu professor David Adam Scott showing employment programs involving foreign nurses and caregivers have resulted in trainees being forced to work long hours. "The Japanese government has also refused to guarantee minimum wage levels, while exorbitant fees of at least Y58,000 (P23,200) are deducted from the nurses' salaries every month," it said on its website (www.ibon.org). Exploitation of foreign workers on training programs has also been prevalent, it said. It noted that Indonesian trainees in Japan have reportedly experienced physical abuse and been forced to render unpaid overtime, while others have been denied such basic rights as freedom of movement. Non-Japanese in the bigger cities are reportedly subject to racial profiling by being asked to produce their foreign registration cards or passports, which must be carried at all times. "Part of (the Philippine) government's hype is that with the Jpepa, 400 Filipino nurses and 600 caregivers will be allowed to enter Japan for training for over two years. However, the receiving scheme for health workers states that they must work as trainees in designated institutions, undergo six months of Japanese language training and pass the national certification tests before they can qualify as nurse or caregiver. “Although they are already working during this time they will be receiving pay only as a non-licensed worker or trainee or candidate, or as nurse's aides and caregiver's assistants," IBON said. IBON urged senators debating on the Jpepa to see that the inclusion of nurses in the agreement is a "deceptive provision that offers uncertain benefits, made only to sweeten the blatantly one-sided, pro-Japan deal." "Using Filipino nurses as a justification for approving Jpepa highlights how the Philippine government is willing to sacrifice the welfare of its citizens as well as to cover up for its severe failure in generating jobs and supporting the country's health system," it said. - GMANews.TV