Cebu BPO workers protest unsafe return-to-work orders after quake

CEBU, PHILIPPINES — Business process outsourcing (BPO) workers in Cebu, Philippines, are protesting what they describe as unsafe corporate policies and government neglect after being forced back to work following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu City on September 30.

Workers allege unsafe return-to-work orders after quake

In the wake of the earthquake, hundreds of Cebu-based BPO employees reported being pressured to return to work despite buildings remaining unchecked for safety. According to the BPO Industry Employees Network (BIEN-Cebu), workers were left with little choice but to continue working under dangerous conditions.

BIEN Cebu reported that at least 10 BPO companies in Cebu City have been found to have violated labor rights and occupational safety standards. 

Workers said they were forced back to the production floor just 30 minutes after the quake, despite aftershocks continuing, and some emergency exits being blocked. In some cases, operations resumed without any safety memorandum or clearance, with leads simply waiting for account managers to give the go-signal.

Employees reported that they faced threats of job loss if they refused to report to work. “Leads threatened agents that if they did not report for work during their shift, they might lose their jobs,” BIEN-Cebu reported. 

Others described verbal harassment and said their safety concerns were downplayed, treating the disaster as “business as usual.”

Those who chose to go home for their safety were not only marked as unpaid but also lost bonuses, faced suspensions, and were marked as unauthorized absences the following day. 

No assistance was provided for transportation, medical attention, or psychological support. One pregnant worker was left unaided as she made her way down several flights of stairs during the evacuation.

Some employees were even forced to sign memos prohibiting them from discussing the situation on social media, further silencing their voices.

BPO labor rights violations spotlighted in Cebu earthquake crisis

The crisis highlights deeper issues within the outsourcing sector, which is a key pillar of Cebu’s economy. BIEN-Cebu noted that corporate greed and government inaction reflect the complete disregard over BPO workers’ welfare and safety.

The group emphasized that employees must have the right to protect themselves and their families in the event of disasters. 

“No employee should be forced to return onsite without proper safety clearance and building inspections,” BIEN-Cebu said, citing that this right is protected under RA 11058 and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) issuances such as DO No. 252-25, LA 17 s.2022, and LA No. 1 s.2020.

BIEN-Cebu has called on DOLE to act decisively, saying the agency “must act immediately and exercise its authority to hold negligent and reckless employers accountable for endangering workers’ lives.”

Cebu City Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña also weighed in, calling the situation “unacceptable.” He vowed to assist the affected employees and encouraged them to contact him directly. Osmeña urged workers to send him details of their company, the names of those who ordered them back to work, and a timeline of events. He assured them of confidentiality, promising, “Only I will read your messages,” and emphasized that employees would be protected from any retribution.

Industry professionals outside Cebu have also voiced solidarity. A customer success expert wrote in a LinkedIn post: “Workers don’t need to be more resilient. They need to be respected, protected, and valued, especially in the face of storms, earthquakes, and uncertainty.”

BEIN Cebu pointed out that many employees resort to “BPO hopping”, moving from one outsourcing firm to another, in search of better pay and healthier work environments. But these problems, it said, are “industry-wide,” leaving workers without long-term security, benefits, or protections.

“BIEN-Cebu stands with Cebu BPO workers as they express their rage and discontent over reckless company policies that pushed them to highly stressful, if not dangerous, working conditions amidst the ongoing disaster,” the group said in a statement.

Rejecting what it calls a “business-as-usual” approach, BIEN-Cebu urged workers to band together. “We call on all BPO workers to unite and fight back against this blatant disregard of workers’ rights,” the organization said, vowing to continue providing a platform for employees to push for accountability and reforms.

Outsource Accelerator has reached out to BIEN-Cebu and the named BPO companies for further comment. We have yet to receive a response at the time of this writing.