CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — The recent 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu has triggered a significant conversation about the importance of labor rights, workplace safety, and disaster preparedness in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector.
During the incident, employees were seen evacuating their buildings, understandably disrupting business operations. However, the conflict came to light when some employees reported that they were required to return to work immediately despite ongoing aftershocks.
Should they have chosen to go home for safety reasons, some cited instances of:
- Being threatened with disciplinary actions
- Losing attendance incentives
- Being marked absent without leave (AWOL)
Labor groups and the BPO Industry Employees Network (BIEN)-Cebu responded to the news and complaints by filing a complaint with the Department of Labor and Employment – Regional Office 7 (DOLE-RO7). It cited violations of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Law, which allows workers the right to refuse unsafe work without retaliation.
BIEN-Cebu rejects this ‘business-as-usual’ approach of BPO companies and government neglect during this time of crisis. We call on all BPO workers to unite and fight back against this blatant disregard for workers’ rights.
— John Kyle Enero, BIEN-Cebu Spokesperson, in a press statement
Implications for the Industry
This incident underscores the BPO sector’s growing need for:
- Better workplace safety standards
- Clearer business continuity plans
- Better disaster response plans
While companies respond to clients’ increasing demands for value and quality services, this should not come at the expense of employee welfare.
