Lawmaker files welfare bill for PH BPO workers
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Kabataan Partylist Representative Raoul Manuel refiled House Bill 8189, also known as the BPO Workers Welfare Act, to improve the working conditions and benefits of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) professionals in the Philippines.
Recognizing the significance of the BPO industry in job creation, Manuel emphasized the need to protect the rights and welfare of BPO workers.
The bill sets standards for fair labor practices. It provides additional benefits to BPO workers, including protection against job insecurity, a uniform nationwide minimum wage for entry-level positions, and access to medical benefits upon employment.
It also seeks to address the issue of low wages prevalent in the industry, which employs approximately 1.3 million Filipinos and provides services to companies in developed countries.
Moreover, House Bill 8189 addresses the curtailment of workers’ rights to organize and form unions and instances of harassment and discrimination faced by those who advocate for their rights.
The Philippines holds a significant share, estimated at 10-15%, of the global BPO market.
