LABOR Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma has ordered a thorough investigation of close to 100 business process outsourcing (BPO) companies that allegedly compelling their employees to report for work at the height of typhoon Uwan, warning that erring firms may face sanctions if found violating labor and employees’ safety laws.
Laguesma ordered the probe in response to a formal request from the BPO Industry Employees Network (BIEN Philippines) which identified 98 BPO companies and sites, mostly based in Metro Manila, as allegedly disregarding government guidelines on work suspension during severe weather conditions.
According to the group, many employees were forced to report for work despite widespread flooding, power outages, and dangerous travel conditions caused by the recent typhoons.
Workers who opted to prioritize their safety and stay home were allegedly issued “notices to explain” their absence.
“I have acted on the request by directing the concerned regional directors where the companies being complained of are located to invite management to explain their side,” Laguesma said in a message to reporters.
Laguesma reminded employers that under Republic Act No. 11058, or the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Law, as well as the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Labor Advisory No. 17, Series of 2022, companies must ensure the safety of their workers during natural calamities and may suspend operations when conditions warrant.
Typhoon Uwan, which made landfall in Aurora province on Sunday night, brought heavy rains, landslides, and storm surges across Luzon, cutting off electricity and leaving at least 25 people dead before exiting toward Taiwan.
BIEN Philippines urged DOLE to hold accountable the employers who ignored official safety advisories. The group said the investigation should serve as a warning to companies that prioritize operations over worker welfare.
