The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is being urged to address reports that business process outsourcing (BPO) companies compelled employees to report for work during Typhoon Uwan, putting staff at risk. Worker groups claim this practice violates safety protocols designed for severe weather.
According to employees, several BPO offices in Metro Manila and other regions continued operations while staff were expected to come onsite. Some workers reported facing disciplinary action or reduced incentives after refusing to work during the storm.
Under DOLE guidelines, employers are allowed to suspend work if conditions pose imminent danger, and employees should not be penalized for refusing unsafe work. Advocates are calling for stricter enforcement to ensure compliance and protect workers’ safety during natural disasters.