The BPO Industry Employees Network (BIEN) urges the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and BPO companies to immediately declare an “imminent danger” situation around workplaces affected by heavy rainfall and flooding in Metro Manila and other key urban centers.
BIEN received reports from BPO workers who are being forced to go report to work despite the flooded roads, lack of transportation, and harsh weather. Many fear being marked absent or late in the face of a life threatening situation.
According to RA 11058, or an act strengthening compliance with OSH standards, workers have the right not to report to work when there is imminent danger to their safety and health.
DOLE’s own Occupational Safety and Health Standards policy also requires employers to suspend work if it poses risks to workers.
“We cannot accept business-as-usual while our fellow workers are wading through floodwaters, risking their health and safety just to report to work,” BIEN president Mylene Cabalona said. “If the government and employers truly value workers’ lives, they must recognize that this is a clear and present danger—not just an inconvenience,” she said.
BIEN insists that the current severe weather is clearly covered by that standard—with streets underwater, no electricity, and no adequate transportation.
“We challenge DOLE to enforce its own mandate and direct BPO companies to prioritize worker safety over profit. It’s not enough to leave this to employer discretion,” Cabalona explained.
BIEN is calling on companies to immediately implement remote work options, flexible shifts, and a “no fault attendance” policy in all affected areas. “Technology allows our industry to work remotely, so there is no excuse to endanger lives just to meet Key Performance Indicators,” Cabalona emphasized.
As the impact of increasingly erratic weather intensifies, BIEN is calling for a national safety protocol for those in the BPO industry. The sector employs more than 1.8 million workers, most of whom work at night and travel during hazardous hours.
