The recent earthquake in Cebu has highlighted the troubling practices of the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry in its treatment of its workforce.

News reports said employees of BPO companies were compelled to return to their offices just minutes after the major earthquake or face consequences for prioritizing their safety over company demands.

This policy raises serious questions about workplace safety protocols and highlights a broader systemic issue within the BPO industry concerning the prioritization of profits over people.

The Department of Labor and Employment’s (DoLE) upcoming inspection of six BPO companies in Central Visayas is a positive initiative. The safety of employees should be the foundation of any employer’s operations.

I am glad the DoLE is dedicated to ensuring worker safety. We must ensure that this commitment leads to concrete reforms in the BPO sector.

The BPO industry has historically been celebrated as a growth industry in the Philippines, contributing significantly to national revenues and jobs creation. However, this economic triumph should not come at the cost of the workers’ welfare.

Reports of employees facing threats for not returning to unsafe environments are alarming. It is a clear violation of labor rights.

Workers have the right to prioritize their safety when faced with threats to their lives and health. Unfortunately, many employees feel pressured to compromise their well-being for the sake of corporate profits.

Emergency exits in some offices were reportedly blocked during the quake. Disaster preparedness and risk management within these companies should not be taken for granted.

The blockage of these exits poses a direct threat to the safety of employees during an emergency and highlights potential deficiencies in the companies’ emergency response plans.

The lack of empathy and understanding of some employers during a natural disaster is disheartening. The immediate response should have been to prioritize the employees’ safety and well-being.

It is unfortunate when financial considerations take precedence over human concerns — an attitude that not only risks lives but undermines the moral integrity of any organization.

The rising movement among BPO employees to hold companies to account for safety violations is a positive development. It reflects a greater awareness of labor rights and a united effort against exploitative practices.

The BPO Industry Employees Network--Cebu’s decision to file complaints against 30 call center firms demonstrates the power of unity and the importance of advocating for a safe and fair work environment.

A satisfied and secure workforce yields productivity and, ultimately, greater profitability.

The safety and well-being of workers should never be an afterthought. Employers, especially in industries known for their intense demands, should provide safety measures, proper training, and open communication lines where workers would be empowered to voice concerns about their safety.

The focus should shift from simply maximizing output to ensuring that the people behind the output are well-cared for and protected.

A thriving economy is built on the foundation of its people’s safety and dignity.

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