A LAWMAKER sought clarification from BPO companies on their policy in times of natural calamity to advocate for workers’ safety and protection.
In a privilege speech, Councilor Pamela Librado-Morata, committee chair on labor & employment opportunities, said contact center agents from a BPO company in the city complained about the management’s unclear instructions following an earthquake.
“The high magnitude earthquake that struck Davao City gravely affected BPO employees who often work in high-rise buildings in the city,” Librado-Morata said.
She added that the BPO company did not give clear instructions through a memo prohibiting work on-site.
Other employees also complained of an unsafe working environment, as they were told to report on-site despite the pending building inspection and clearance.
She mentioned that one of the BPO companies was issued a red tag notice by the Office of the City Building Official for sustaining structural damage.
She reported that the workers were not given enough time to pull out computer units for work-at-home setups. Reimbursement for Internet allowance for workers was also not clarified.
“It is clear workers were ill-prepared for WAH arrangements as some workers did not have proper workspaces at home, several were just boarders who rented rooms,” she said.
Workers, despite being exhausted from the earthquake, were expected to log in and take calls immediately at the start of their 9 p.m. shift on Oct. 14.
“Indeed, the ‘business as usual’ or BAU policy puts BPO workers’ work and even lives in detriment,” Librado said, noting that natural calamities like earthquakes cannot be predicted and the aftermath should at least give clear guidelines.
This includes refunds for fare and internet installation for those not having connections at home, overtime pay, hazard pay, and the like.
BPO companies are called to implement or devise a clear work-from-home policy in the event of tragedy or natural calamity and ensure workers’ right to express their grievances and concerns freely.
She also stressed the need to protect BPO workers’ rights, such as health impacts from night shifts, overtime, and unique work arrangements.
The councilor passed a resolution “Providing More Protection to BPO Workers in Davao City By Ensuring Their Safety and Dignity in Times of Calamity.”
Councilor Diosdado Angelo Mahipus Jr. manifested that there is a need to revisit the existing ordinance and policies, especially in workers’ protection.
“It might do us good if we allow the committee on labor and employment to conduct necessary hearings in aid of legislation,” Mahipus said.
Photo by Charanjeet Dhiman on Unsplash
