Former overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) took out a protest seeking payment of wages for the past five years from Saudi employers.
The OFWs marched to the main office of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Pasay City to demand their unpaid wages from their employers in Saudi Arabia.
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Bringing a papier-mache “cake” and balloons to “commemorate” the Department of Labor and Employment’s 88th anniversary the protestors said that they were still waiting for their wages 5 years after promises were made that they will be paid their dues.
Several workers became emotional recalling their sufferings in the Middle East and one narrated searching for food in the trash in Saudi Arabia.
Migrante International chairperson Joanna Concepcion said in case their benefits were not paid they will face a big injustice.
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OWWA Administrator Hans Cacdac said the Philippine government is constantly talking to Saudi Arabia to push for the workers’ salaries.
Cacdac said a technical working group was formed to address these concerns, but admitted getting the OFWs what they deserve will not be an easy task. (AW)
