DOLE sees strong labor ties with Russia

The Department of Labor and Employent (DOLE) is seeing stronger ties with Russia after the latter assured of protection for overseas Filipino workers in the Soviet state.

According to DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III, he met with Russian Ambassador Igor Anatolyevich Khovaev this week and they agreed to establish “a solid legal basis for cooperation” between the two countries for the benefit of OFWs.

“We are glad we had preliminary discussion on various labor issues and concerns of mutual interest to both countries,” he said.

Bello noted that Khovaev assured that the Russian government is doing its best to look after the welfare of Filipino workers in the Soviet state.

“A solid legal basis for cooperation should be established between our governments. Rights and legitimate interest of the workers should be fully protected,” he quoted Khovaev as saying.

Khovaev, he claimed, also commended the Filipino work ethics and skills.

Bello added that Khovaev acknowledged that “Filipino workers are well-known for their hard work, and for being law-abiding citizens.”

The Russian envoy had suggested that the two countries explore new possibilities and opportunities and to build a solid legal basis for this.”

For his part, Bello suggested forming a bilateral working group to craft the partnership where the rights and protection of both Filipino workers and Russian employers will be guaranteed.

“We hope to meet with our counterparts in Russia for us to discuss the specifics of this agreement and define the terms and guidelines,” the labor chief said.