
A group of BPO employees in Cebu filed a complaint with the DOLE against more than 10 BPO companies after the powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake in Bogo City.
According to the BPO Industry Employees' Network (BIEN) Cebu, hundreds of employees have filed complaints. Some agents were forced to answer calls during the earthquake and some were blocked from leaving their offices.
The group added that there were employees who refused to come in to prioritize their safety and family, but were given notice to explain, sanctions, and reduction in incentives as punishment.
BIEN asked DOLE to investigate companies for violating the Occupational Safety and Health Standards and Republic Act 11058 which mandates making workplaces safe.
According to Phivolcs data, up to 72 people have died in the Cebu earthquake while nearly 2,800 aftershocks have been recorded, of which only 14 were felt.