IBPAP: Member BPO firms comply with labor rules during calamities

The IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), the umbrella organization of business process outsourcing (BPO) firms operating in the country, on Wednesday assured that its member-companies comply with labor rules in times of natural calamities.

“Our member-companies operate within the bounds of existing DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment) regulations, circulars, and labor advisories, even during extraordinary events such as typhoons or other natural calamities,” IBPAP said in a statement.

“During the recent weather disturbance, companies implemented their respective business continuity plans to ensure the safety of employees while maintaining essential client operations,” it said.

It issued the statement amid claims that several BPO companies allegedly required workers to physically report for work during the onslaught of Super Typhoon Uwan.

“The Memorandum Circular from the Office of the President on the suspension of government work and classes clearly provided that private sector work suspension would be left to the discretion of employers,” IBPAP said.

It said its member companies “continued operations as their global clients expected of them, doing much more than ‘business as usual’ for their employees.”

“Management discretion always placed primacy on the health and safety of their employees and went beyond standard company processes and practices under normal conditions,” the group said.

Internal risk assessments and business imperatives considered, “employers ensured that employees who opted to work onsite were provided additional benefits and conveniences while in the office premises,” IBPAP said.

“In foreseen work disturbances due to typhoons or extreme weather, employers offered flexibility to work onsite or remotely, according to their employees’ preference and as conditions permitted,” it added.

IBPAP said it has long pushed for work flexibility and telecommuting, having lobbied for these measures since 2021. It added that it continues to promote hybrid work arrangements as a sustainable model for both productivity and employee welfare. 

“IBPAP reiterates that worker welfare remains at the heart of this industry. Our members are guided by the principle that safety and compliance must go hand in hand with operational resilience, and they welcome the inspection of DOLE and recognized regulatory authorities to showcase established compliance measures, including guidelines and internal communications to ensure employee safety under all circumstances,” the group said.

“We continue to work closely with DOLE and other government partners to ensure clear, fair, and fact-based communication that strengthens both employee protection and investor confidence,” it added. — JMA, GMA Integrated News