MANILA — The BPO Industry Employees Network (BIEN Pilipinas) filed a formal labor inspection request with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) over alleged unsafe practices by several business process outsourcing (BPO) companies during Super Typhoon Uwan.

In a letter to Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, BIEN reported that workers were forced to report on-site despite life-threatening weather, widespread flooding, and power outages. Employees also claimed they were pressured to use leave credits or faced disciplinary action for choosing to stay home for their safety.

“These reports show that many companies continue to prioritize business operations over worker safety,” said BIEN National President Mylene Cabalona. “No worker should be punished for choosing to stay safe during a super typhoon.”

BIEN noted that some companies offered shuttles or meals, but described these measures as token gestures meant to keep operations running rather than ensuring employee safety. The group also cited previous complaints during Typhoon Tino that were allegedly ignored, which they said emboldened companies to repeat unsafe practices.

Following the complaints, DOLE scheduled a meeting with BIEN on November 12 at its National Office to discuss the reports and possible actions. BIEN emphasized the importance of workers speaking up, noting that decades of unregulated conditions in the BPO sector have compromised safety for profit.

BIEN is calling on DOLE to:

1. Conduct immediate inspections of BPO companies and sites mentioned in their complaint;
2. Suspend on-site work in areas under storm signals or heavy flooding; and
3. Ensure that workers are not penalized or lose income for prioritizing their safety.

The group also requested participation in the inspections, citing DOLE Order No. 238, Series of 2023, which permits legitimate labor organizations to join workplace inspections.

“BPO workers continue to risk their lives every time disaster strikes,” Cabalona said. “It’s time for DOLE to act decisively to protect workers and make companies answerable for their unsafe policies.”