by Marjuice Destinado
At least 10 BPO companies in Cebu City violated labor rights and occupational safety standards following the September 30 earthquake, the BPO Industry Employees Network (BIEN)-Cebu reported in a Facebook post on Thursday, October 2.
According to reports received by BIEN-Cebu, workers said they were forced back to the production floor just 30 minutes after the quake, even as aftershocks continued, and some emergency exits were blocked.
Others were offered double pay to keep working, while those who went home faced suspensions, pay cuts, loss of bonuses, or threats of dismissal.
BIEN also reported that a pregnant employee was left unaided during evacuation, no medical or psychological support was provided, and some staff were forced to sign memos banning them from speaking out.
“BIEN Cebu strongly condemns these unacceptable labor practices and calls for the immediate protection of BPO employees and their families, whether they are working onsite or remotely,” the organization said.
BIEN urged the Department of Labor and Employment to hold “negligent and reckless employers accountable for endangering workers’ lives.”
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