Committee on Labor & Employment Chairperson Senator Raffy Tulfo has filed a measure seeking to ensure the welfare and protection of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) workers, especially during calamities and hazardous conditions.
In filing Senate Bill (SB) No. 1493 or the “BPO Workers’ Welfare and Protection Act,” Tulfo also seeks to enhance job security and access for medical benefits for BPO employees and establishment of a national entry-level wage aligned with the family living wage for them.
“This bill aims to uphold and safeguard the rights of many Filipinos, particularly those from the youth demographic, who seek immediate employment in BPO firms. It reiterates the labor standards defined in the Labor Code and introduces additional benefits intended to tackle specific challenges and issues linked to the nature of BPO work,” the legislator noted.
“Work shall be automatically suspended in cases of typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruption, fire, and other such states of calamity.”
Under SB No. 1493, their work shall be automatically suspended in cases of typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruption, fire, and other such states of calamity.
Recently, some BPO companies were reportedly accused of endangering employees during super typhoon Uwan as workers were ordered to physically report for work, forcing them to wade through floodwaters, endure power outages, and risk their safety.
“Work shall be voluntary on days of heavy rain and other instances of inclement weather conditions, with workers receiving the necessary Hazard Pay.”
The lawmaker also proposed that their work shall be voluntary on days of heavy rain and other instances of inclement weather conditions, with workers receiving the necessary Hazard Pay.
Under the proposed measure, BPO workers shall also be considered regular employees when the BPO worker is allowed to work after the maximum probationary period of six months, and if the training period is less than six months, the BPO worker shall be considered a regular employee after they finish the training.
In terms of wages, the senator recommended that BPO workers shall receive an entry-level wage of not less than P36,000.
The key proposal of the bill also include access to medical benefits upon joining a BPO company, rather than only after regularization; and the right to self-organize for collective bargaining and engagement in democratic processes regarding workplace policies that affect employee rights.
