BPO workers decry DOLE 'inaction' as firms require on-site work during 'Uwan'
MANILA, Philippines (Updated November 11, 2025, 10:35 a.m.) — A coalition of business process outsourcing (BPO) workers has called on the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to immediately act against companies that continue to require on-site work despite life-threatening wind conditions and heavy downpour from Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-wong).
In an open letter shared Sunday, November 9, the BPO Industry Employees Network (BIEN) said BPO employees are once again being forced to “fend for ourselves” as firms insist on requiring employees to report for work. This, despite intense rains and destructive winds affecting most of Luzon and parts of Visayas since Friday amid Uwan's onslaught.
“Call on these companies who continue to force their workers to report to work and ensure that no BPO worker is punished, penalized, or forced to use leave credits for prioritizing their safety,” BIEN said. “DOLE, serve the workers, not the employers.”
The group said it reported similar violations to DOLE during Typhoon Tino but received no response or indication that the agency took action.
Tino, which struck the Philippines immediately before the entry of Uwan, left over 200 dead. Most of the casualties were in Cebu.
DOLE's alleged inaction, according to BIEN, is now forcing them to publicly name companies they accuse of prioritizing "business-as-usual" operations over the safety of its workers.
'No choice but to go public'
The group said it took no pleasure in naming specific firms but was left with no alternative after DOLE failed to respond to previous complaints.
“We have already tried doing things the ‘proper’ way,” BIEN said. “This silence and inaction have forced us to bring these issues directly to the public. If DOLE will not listen behind closed doors, perhaps they will listen when workers speak out together and online.”
It asked DOLE to issue an immediate advisory suspending work in affected areas and to ensure that workers are not penalized or forced to use leave credits if they stay home for their safety.
“We demand immediate and decisive action from DOLE to protect workers’ lives and uphold labor rights in times of disaster,” it added.
DOLE side. Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma told Philstar.com on Monday that he had instructed all regional directors — not only in Luzon and the Visayas but also in Mindanao — to “check and validate” the allegations.
“They have been instructed to invite the complained-of employers so they can be afforded the opportunity to explain why they are forcing employees to report for work during serious weather disturbances,” Laguesma said.
“DOLE will not countenance and take lightly actions of employers that put at risk the workers,” he added. “We will make sure that priority is accorded to the safety and well-being of all workers across industries, not just in the BPO sector.”
Laguesma said reports of action taken by regional offices are expected to be submitted immediately.
Call for emergency leave. Addressing the BPO companies themselves, the group urged them to suspend work and grant emergency leave with pay while conditions remain unsafe.
“You owe this to your workers, the very backbone of your operations,” it said. “Without them, there is no service, no profit. If you continue to neglect their safety, we will not hesitate to name and call out your companies publicly.”
'Business as usual' despite floods and wind
According to BIEN, several BPO companies across the country have maintained normal operations even as parts of Luzon and the Visayas remain under heavy rainfall warnings and are dealing with massive and sudden flooding.
Bien said Trip.com and Alldigitech, two companies based in Taguig, offered temporary work-from-home arrangements.
Meanwhile, BIEN named the following companies as those that continued with “business-as-usual” operations with additional support ("limited considerations"):
- TDCX Phils. Inc., Cyber Omega Site, Ortigas
(BIEN said TDCX provided transportation subsidies, shuttle pick-up points, and packed meals, but workers who refuse to report are marked absent and may receive a Notice to Explain. The group said this "can affect incentives," but a clarification from the corporate communications team of TDCX sent to Philstar.com in an email says the incentives of employees who request to work off-site will not be affected. Specifically, the company said: "For clarity, absences due to unsafe travel or family safety concerns are not subject to disciplinary action, and employees' incentive eligibility is maintained."
- ProbeCX, Makati – (BIEN said the company gave an additional P1,000 allowance and free food, but reportedly issued disciplinary actions to employees who did not report on-site)
- Accenture, BGC – (BIEN said the firm offered rest day overtime pay, transportation allowance, and food vouchers)
- Inspiro, Quezon City – (BIEN said the company provided free shuttle services)
- Accenture, Cubao – (BIEN said the company provided free shuttle services)
- Infosys, Taguig – (BIEN said the company distributed free meals and toiletries, though team leaders allegedly compelled agents to report and remain on-site, with absences reportedly not allowed)
- Intouch, Cubao – (BIEN said the company supplied extra beddings for employees staying in the office)
- Foundever, Baguio – (BIEN said the company provided free meals)
- TaskUs, Antipolo – (BIEN said the company offered free Grab rides that were “not yet activated")
- TaskUs, Bulacan – (BIEN said the company provided free meals)
BIEN said the following companies conducted "business-as-usual" operations without additional support:
- BILGOSLING Inc., BGC, Taguig
- Cognizant, Vertis North
- Afni, Santa Rosa, Laguna
- Enshored, Cebu
- Staff Outsourcing Solutions, Cebu
- TaskUs, Meycauayan
- TTEC, Cebu
- Accenture, Cebu
- Concentrix, Megamall
While it noted that some companies offered transportation or meal allowances, these were “token gestures meant to sustain business continuity at the expense of workers’ safety," BIEN added.
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