Cebu BPO firms accused of forcing employees to work after quake

Several Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) firms in Cebu are facing accusations of forcing employees to return to work and disregarding their safety following a recent 6.9-magnitude earthquake.

The BPO Industry Employees' Network (BIEN) in Cebu reported that hundreds of agents from at least 10 BPO companies experienced labor rights and occupational safety and health violations.

Employees reported being threatened with dismissal if they refused to report to work, despite their concerns for personal safety and family well-being during the crisis.

Additional reported violations include receiving notices to explain or unpaid days off for prioritizing personal needs post-earthquake, and facing retaliatory actions such as loss of incentives and benefits.

Some firms allegedly blocked emergency exits and failed to provide assistance to employees, including a pregnant woman, during evacuations after the earthquake.