The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Sunday released a cease-and-desist order against one of the business process outsourcing (BPO) firms operating in quake-hit Cebu over its lack of emergency and disaster preparedness plan in the event of natural calamities.
In a Facebook post, DOLE said the order was coursed through its regional office in Central Visayas. This developed after several call center agents complained when they were forced to immediately return to work after a magnitude-6.9 earthquake struck Bogo City and other areas across northern Cebu.
According to DOLE, the BPO firm in question was “found to have no emergency and disaster preparedness and response plan during natural calamities such as earthquakes in its occupational safety and health (OSH) program.”
“The employer was further encouraged to utilize flexible working arrangements,” it added.
Another BPO company was also issued a notice of conference to submit proof of corrections after a recent labor inspection found OSH deficiencies.
Last Thursday, October 2, the BPO Industry Employees Network (BIEN) filed a formal complaint against at least 30 BPO firms for allegedly flouting labor and occupational safety laws in the wake of the powerful quake.
Multiple reports received by BIEN Cebu revealed alarming cases where company managers and team leaders failed to follow safety protocols, endangered employees by resuming operations without clearance from authorities, and even threatened or retaliated against workers who exercised their right to go home amid the calamity.
Under the OSH Law (Republic Act 11058), workers have the right to refuse unsafe work without fear of retaliation from management if their life or health is at risk. Employers are also mandated to suspend operations until competent authorities have declared workplaces safe.
