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News » Filipino workers demand AI bill for job protection

Filipino workers demand AI bill for job protection

filipino-workers-demand-ai-bill
Photo from Rest of World/BPO Industry Employees Network

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — A coalition of Filipino digital workers has called for stronger labor and free speech protections as artificial intelligence (AI) tools continue to transform the workplace. 

The Coalition of Digital Employees – Artificial Intelligence (Code AI) was formed to address concerns about AI’s impact on job security, wages, and working conditions in the Philippines’ business process outsourcing (BPO) sector.

“We call on the government for proactive and inclusive policy-making, as workers face threats of job losses, diminishing wages, and other harms,” said Lean Porquia, Code AI convenor and head of research for the BPO Industry Employees’ Network.

AI increases efficiency but adds pressure on workers

AI technologies such as co-pilots and sentiment analysis systems are now widely used by companies like Concentrix and Accenture to enhance efficiency. These tools assist workers with real-time information but also impose higher productivity standards. Workers report increased workloads without corresponding wage improvements.

In a Rest of World article published last year, former Concentrix employee Renso Bajala revealed that AI supervision drastically increased his workload. He was required to handle 30 calls by lunchtime—a volume that previously took him an entire shift to complete. 

“I have to please the AI,” Bajala said, highlighting the immense stress caused by the strict performance metrics imposed by the technology.

Free speech suppressed amid “code of silence”

Code AI has criticized what it describes as an industrywide “code of silence” that discourages workers from discussing AI’s impact on their jobs. 

Bajala was fired after sharing his experiences with Rest of World, allegedly for violating Concentrix’s “code of discipline and ethics.” However, Bajala maintains he did not breach any nondisclosure agreements.

Lawyer Noel Neri called Concentrix’s policy “unjust and unreasonable,” arguing it infringes on employees’ freedom of expression. Similar concerns have been raised about Accenture, where managers reportedly monitor employees’ social media accounts to detect potential leaks.

AI bill seeks worker protections amid job loss fears

Code AI will participate in discussions on the proposed Artificial Intelligence Regulation Act, which aims to govern AI development and usage in the Philippines. The coalition has also demanded Bajala’s reinstatement and plans to hold a town hall on February 22 in Manila to engage with affected workers.

With 1.84 million BPO workers in the country, the stakes are high. Industry estimates suggest up to 300,000 jobs could be lost to automation within five years, though new roles may emerge through retraining programs. 

“We aren’t against AI,” Porquia clarified. “We want technology in the Philippines to evolve. But in doing so, workers need to be protected.”

Balancing innovation with worker welfare

Experts emphasize that while AI adoption boosts efficiency, it must not come at the expense of worker well-being. Policymakers and industry leaders are urged to ensure that technological advancements benefit both companies and employees equally.

Read more here.

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