See: Physically abused workers by cruel employers

Judge:
Men were created in the image and likeness of God. As creations of the Almighty,
the human person possesses the divine characteristic of the Father, innate also him is a
dignity that is worthy of respect. Based on United Nations Human Rights number 6,
You have rights wherever you go. This greatly applies to the Overseas Filipino
Workers (OFWs). It does not mean that if you work in a foreign country, you do not have
any right to voice out your concerns especially when it is your dignity being stepped on.
Do not let anyone abuse your rights.
Issues relating to abuses of the Overseas Filipino Workers can be seen and heard
on television news, radio stations, social networking sites, and newspapers. An online
article entitled Swept under the Rug Abuses against Domestic Workers around the
World published in the website www.hrw.org, list different criminal abuses particularly
to domestic workers. Psychological abuses, aside from physical abuse were common.
Victims of sexual violence were numerous too. Food deprivation, forced confinement,
and trafficking into forced labor are some of the other abuses done.
Rappler.com published an article last October 24, 2015 about an OFW abused in
Saudi Arabia. "Rina", whose real name is Rehana Lusay Bayan was physically abused
and raped by her employer, according to sources. The cruelties of the employer lead to
the death of Rina. This is a sad reality in the world today. Those struggling to live a
decent life are being abused; those who are in authority take advantage of their power.
It was stated in the Compendium of the Social Doctrine, Chapter 6, Section 287, Work
is a fundamental right and a good for mankind, a useful good, worthy of man because it
is an appropriate way for him to give expression to and enhance his human dignity.
Work is essential to showcase the full potential of a being, to achieve a decent life; and
not to let his dignity be violated.
Act:
As future employees, we all should be aware of the rights that are innate us. We
should learn how to and where to ask help in case these rights are being abused or
violated. If we happen to know people whose rights are being taken away from them, let
us not hesitate to help them know their rights and report it to the authorities. Some of us
might be future employers even, if this is the case, we should not abuse the rights of
those inferior. Their importance should be valued no matter what.

See: Not paid or late salary

Judge:
Recently, because of the crisis experienced in the Middle East, a lot of OFWs
working there are suffering from certain injustices. A lot of workers specifically those
who are directly affected by the crisis experiences issues like late salary, not paid
wages, most are even trapped because of expired iqama or work permit. Browsing from
different online sites, some workers stated their experience abroad. Nelio who was
interviewed via telephone by News5 shared, Ang ginagawa nila (referring to his
employer) maam, hindi continous ang sweldo kundi magpapalipas sila ng ilang buwan.
Tapos magbibigay na naman sila ng isa, tapos magkakaroon na naman ng patlang. Ang
tanda ko nung last year, ang naibigay nila sa amin ay three months lang na sweldo.
Another story, however is tragic, one employee committed suicide because of his
frustration over unpaid wages. His co-worker stated that, Sobra siyang nag-aalala para
sa kanyang pamilya at sa kung ano na ba ang kasasapitan niya.
Luke 20: 25 states, So he told them, Then give back to Caesar the things that are
Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. This verse from the bible stresses out
the value of contentment, fairness and equality. This is in relation with the issue of not
paid or late salary to some OFWs. A part in section 302 of the Compendium of Social
Doctrine, Chapter 6 highlighted the importance of just wage. Those who refuse to pay or
give the wage in the agreed time, even those whose payment is not in proportion to the
work done by the workers, commit grave injustice. The wage or salary to be given
should be sufficient to provide the basic necessities in life. Imagine the anxiety and
frustration of the OFW, away from his family, who suddenly is not given the source of
their living. Their survival is the first worry especially when opportunities here in the
Philippines are few.
Act:
As a resolution to this kind of issue, it would help to be a part of the labor union.
Labor unions protect the right of workers which is necessary in such situations. It can
prevent situations to worsen. The Church also recognizes and allows strikes, provided
that it is done in a peaceful manner. The voices of these workers should be heard and
be responded by those in authority. The government should work with the employers
and have an agreement. Given that the employers violated the agreement, may lawful
and rightful measure be imposed to them.