Are very long hours of work right?

"Do you think the men should get the minimum wage?" Definitely, everybody should get the minimum wage in accordance of what the law prescribes by the country they are in otherwise they are violating labor laws butremember the minimum wage in the Philippines is only 9.70 U.S.dollars per day, so they can earn more in 2 hrs. of work than what they can earn here working 8 hours so they won't really mind if they are underpaid there. "Are their hours of work too long?" Filipinos are hard working, they will work till they drop ( I'm not exaggerating) so long as they are contented with the pay. If they can still manage, they would even like to add more hours so long as they are paid by the hour ( hourly pay is foreign to most Filipinos), they would love to take advantage of that and their inspiration would be their family and extended families plus the "good life" when they hurdle and come home. "Is the ferry company treating the men fairly?" The ferry company is not treating the men fairly and could be violating their country's labor laws, they are also taking advantage of human weakness cause these people will never complain, now why would they? It's like losing a "high paying" job for them that they can never earn in our country perhaps with their qualifications.

Such rate is a good wage compared to other white collar job here in our country. Earning 79,200 pesos/per month is not that bad at all. The minimum wage here in our country is 10,000-12,000 pesos working 8 hours a day, 6 days a week. That is one reason why more professionals and skilled workers from the Philippines are working overseas.

Is there a minimum wage in the Philippines? I guess, if they didn't like the job/wages/etc, they'd find another job, so they are staying on the job for some reason.

Hi Maxine, It is very unfortunate that the Philippines workers are getting less wages in Europe. The European employers are taking advantage of their poverty. The Philippines workers should get their wages according to the labor law of European countries. Why not the Labor unions of Europe are coming forward to protect the rights of the Philippines workers !

I assume that they don't get paid in this 2 months that they get time off. I think it's unfair. I know that some people from different countries go to other places to work because they get paid much better if they stayed where they are. Still, I don't think it's right that they work 11 hours a day, and 7 days a week. People could easily burn out from that kind of work schedule.

Dear Maximax , Working 11 hours a day for 6 days in a week and getting one day off and are paid $6 for and hours it is completely unfair their local are paid near 12 to 15 $ an hours it is completely unfair for them they all are wasting their time there they should leave the work .. and their hours are too long it must me 8 hours a day and no he is not treating them fairly .. Happy mylotting ..

Well everyone should be entitled to a minimum wage and enough rest as well as overtime pay. The problem is there are so many workers that company can get and because of this, it is very easy to replace someone or find someone to work for a cheaper rate. In other words it is very easy for companies to exploit people simply because the labor force is to much crowded and many would want to work despite the low pay. I hope that the laws on labor and the right of every employee should be given more attention by our government.

Yes.that's very long working time. I think people who take this job for long time will be bear heavy pressure, and maybe will have influence on their health. And they also have less time to company with family. In my country, there are also some industries has long working time and low salary. People should consider it carefully before take the jobs.

Good that you brought it up maximax.. I feel we differ in abilities based on factors like age, and skill sets. People who are thorough with the subject can do the work faster, while others would take time. Again more varied the chores, less work would be accomplished though it would give more job satisfaction and keep the person motivated because at least something that interests him or her would be included in that job description. So depending upon age, if the person is willing to slog, its a person issue. What should be the minimum wage should be decided based on what is the minimum needed for a single person's sustenance - which should include charges for fairly liveable accommodation (dormitory or hostels included), food, clothing, and medicines. That becomes the minimum wage. Any dearness allowance or inflation allowance should be based on that and not on the entire pay packet. Pay packet can see periodic hike based on the performance, and indispensabile levels the individual reaches. However, pay hikes should, essentially be on what would be the minimum wage component from it. When pay hikes are on the total it creates inflationary situation because more money comes into hands of people and it is too much money chasing too few goods. Austerity, planning, etc., will come naturally when this aspect is consdered. Everybody should work. If there are dependents such as caregivers, and children, then tax reliefs can be offered. Those who do not earn enough for tax limits, can then be entitled to social security.

Hi maximax! Well, one of the unique personalities of Filipinos is being hardworking. Working long is just fine with them as long as they feel physically good and of course, with the extra money in mind. Being paid at a minimum rate will be fine, too. Filipino loves working with pay regardless of how much the payment for their labor is.

No very long hours working is not good because rest is necessary for life. Only 7 to 8 hours is fair but 11 hours is not good. This is my opinion.

Hi, I don't know about the wage but If i am asked to work, I won't work continuously for 11/7. I don't think I will enjoy those 2 months and how my body condition will be after continuous working of 11/7 for six months !

Hi friend, i think the earnings are fair, but too much of work will spoil the health of the workers, they must take frequent breaks in between the work, does they have the ability to relax themselves? Doing continuous work for around 11 hours is not good for health, even though we are earning money, we are spoiling health and spend our hard earned money to doctors and hospitals

It is not good for working many hours. It will affect our health.

It is very tiring to spend so long time to work everyday. Of course the employers agrees to it. However, we can think about it. If you work for a long time without breaks all the time, you will be stressful and it can lead to any accidents to work. Employees need the time to rest and relax. I love China

hi maximax, after long time i am participating in your discussion, now a days Philippines peoples are fast and 6 dollars per means daily 11 hour that is 66 dollars per day ,per month 1980 dollars, good salary, but they have agreed and joined he job, the owner may keep them nor may not according to his need, i do not know the minimum wages in your country,have a nice day.

I wouldny say it is very fair atall, there should be laws to protect workers as they have rights and there a Unions out there who are there to protect workers for a small monthly fee. Whether its legal depends on the laws of the country the ferry company is based. $6 an hour does seem really low. At my old work they was making me work 6 days a week doing 10 hour shifts but atleast I was getting £6.08 an hour but my uninon intervented due to illegal hours.