The BPO Industry Employees' Network (Bien) Philippines has identified 21 business process outsourcing companies that allegedly maintained "business-as-usual" operations during the dangerous conditions created by Super Typhoon Uwan.
Workers Left to Fend for Themselves
In a strongly worded statement, Bien Philippines condemned what it called "criminal negligence" by employers and government agencies during the super typhoon and massive flooding. The organization emphasized that workers' lives were literally at risk while companies prioritized business continuity over employee safety.
"The situation has become too grave, lives are literally at risk, and the continued complacency of both employers and government agencies amounts to criminal negligence," stated Bien Philippines.
Breakdown of Company Responses
According to the workers' group, the 21 flagged companies demonstrated varying levels of disregard for employee safety during the typhoon emergency:
Nine companies reportedly maintained full "business-as-usual" operations without offering any considerations for their workers' safety or transportation challenges.
Ten additional companies continued regular operations while providing only limited considerations that Bien Philippines described as "token measures meant to sustain business continuity at the expense of workers' safety."
Only two companies implemented temporary work-from-home arrangements, demonstrating that safer alternatives were possible during the weather emergency.
Urgent Calls for Government Action
Bien Philippines has issued an urgent appeal to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to take immediate action against the BPO firms that compelled employees to report for duty despite unsafe conditions.
"We demand immediate and decisive action from DOLE to protect workers' lives and uphold labor rights in times of disaster," the organization stated. "We call on DOLE to immediately act, not tomorrow, not after the typhoon has passed, but now... DOLE, serve the workers, not the employers."
The workers' network also directed a clear message to BPO companies, urging them to suspend work and grant emergency leave with pay during such dangerous weather events.
"To BPO companies, act now. Suspend work and grant emergency leave with pay. You owe this to your workers, the very backbone of your operations. Without them, there is no service, no profit," Bien Philippines emphasized.
The organization concluded with a powerful statement of worker solidarity: "We will not stand idly by while workers risk their lives just to keep the profits flowing. Our safety is not negotiable. Our lives matter more than their margins."
