Raffy Tulfo files bill for BPO workers' welfare, protection

A bill seeking to ensure the welfare and protection of business process outsourcing (BPO) workers in the country has been filed in the Senate.

Senator Raffy Tulfo filed proposed Senate Bill (SB) No. 1493 or the "BPO Workers' Welfare and Protection Act," which seeks to enhance job security and provide medical benefits for BPO employees. It also recommends a national entry-level wage rate of not less than P36,000 to all BPO workers.

Under the proposed measure, the solon also wants BPO workers to be regularized, with trainees to be considered regular employees when they are allowed to work after the maximum probationary period of six months, or after they finish their training should the training period be less than six months.

“This bill aims to uphold and safeguard the rights of many Filipinos, particularly those from the youth demographic, who seek immediate employment in BPO firms," said Tulfo.

"It reiterates the labor standards defined in the Labor Code and introduces additional benefits intended to tackle specific challenges and issues linked to the nature of BPO work,” he said.

Under the proposed measure, BPO workers would also be allowed to self-organize for collective bargaining and engagement in democratic processes regarding workplace policies that affect employee rights.

Tulfo filed the proposed legislation amid reports of some BPO companies allegedly requiring workers to physically report for work during the onslaught of Super Typhoon Uwan.

The IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), the umbrella organization of business process outsourcing (BPO) firms operating in the country, however, assured the public that its member-companies comply with labor rules in times of natural calamities.—Sundy Locus/AOL, GMA Integrated News