Philippine BPO leaders clash over worker rights amid climate crisis
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — A debate over workplace policies in the Philippine outsourcing industry has intensified online, revealing deep divisions between business leaders about worker safety, operational reliability, and industry reputation.
Leadership perspectives on weather policy clash
A recent LinkedIn discussion ignited when Ottmar Feldstein (aka Leon Fedro), Group CEO of Eventomax and RemotoDojo, suggested that accepting weather-related absences could harm Filipino workers’ market competitiveness and undermine the Philippines’ position as an outsourcing destination.
“My honest thoughts? Excuse is the brother of failure. Justification is the sister of guilt,” he said.
Feldstein noted that “clients are walking away from Filipino staff” due to attendance issues, arguing that while weather conditions can be valid reasons for absence, frequent acceptance of such situations poses business risks.
“Don’t get me wrong, I believe in the power and ability of Filipino staff, but at the end of the day it’s what we call business and risk management is part of it,” he concluded.
Systemic Philippine BPO industry challenges
The dispute occurs against a backdrop of broader industry issues. The Philippine BPO sector, employing 1.2 million people and contributing 11% to the country’s GDP, has faced criticism over working conditions, including low wages, job insecurity, and safety concerns.
These challenges have become more pronounced as climate-related disruptions increase.
Pushback from Philippine BPO industry executives
Several industry leaders challenged this perspective, emphasizing the severity of Philippine weather events.
Maria Sucgang, CEO and Co-Founder of Remotify, criticized the characterization of Category 5 typhoons as merely “a bit of wind and rain,” arguing that “true business continuity isn’t forcing people to work through natural disasters.” She emphasized that Filipino talent makes global businesses resilient through their dedication and adaptability.
Jimmy Roa, CEO of SYSGEN RPO, highlighted that supporting employees during natural disasters builds loyalty and enhances productivity. He acknowledged that while some might misuse weather-related excuses, these are “exceptions rather than the norm.”
Future implications for industry standards
Joshua Romero of Tech Mahindra BPS emphasized that “empathy and understanding are not excuses—they are the foundation of trust and long-term loyalty.”
This sentiment was echoed by Darwin Bustillo, CEO of Digital Innoventures Group, who suggested that high absenteeism rates might indicate deeper organizational issues requiring examination.
The debate underscores a critical junction for the Philippine outsourcing industry, where traditional business metrics meet evolving workplace standards and environmental realities.
As Kristiana Rule, Founder of Copylang, notes, these challenges require both empathy and actionable contingency plans to maintain the sector’s competitive edge while ensuring worker safety.
In a separate LinkedIn post, Feldstein maintains his position despite the backlash, stating his comments were “never about undermining the struggles of Filipinos during typhoons” but rather about protecting industry reputation. He warns that negative narratives, though sympathetic, could harm the sector’s global standing.
“Clients don’t choose a location out of love for its people; they seek reliability and cost-efficiency,” Feldstein emphasized, responding to criticism of his earlier comments.
Philippine outsourcing industry at a crossroads
The controversy highlights a critical moment for Philippine outsourcing, as it grapples with balancing worker protection against business continuity.
With the sector facing scrutiny over labor practices and environmental challenges, the debate underscores the need for comprehensive solutions that address both operational reliability and worker welfare.
