The proposal by Sen. Raffy Tulfo aims to provide higher protection and benefits to BPO workers. Under Senate Bill 1493 or the BPO Workers’ Welfare and Protection Act, it aims to strengthen job security, early access to medical benefits, and set the entry-level wage according to the family living wage.
According to Tulfo, this measure is important for youths and others seeking employment in the BPO sector, because it not only strengthens existing labor standards, but also provides additional protection for occupational hazards.
The bill includes automatic suspension of BPO operations during typhoons, earthquakes, fires, or other calamities. It also allows voluntary reporting to work during heavy rain or bad weather, and hazard pay for those who choose to work.
On the issue of job security, it is stated that BPO workers will become regular employees after six months of probation, or immediately after training if their training is shorter than six months.
Tulfo also added that the minimum entry-level salary will not be less than P36,000, along with immediate medical benefits upon hiring. The bill also strengthens the right of employees to organize, engage in collective bargaining, and decide on work policies that affect their rights.
