DOLE urged: Promote decent work in BPO

CEBU, Philippines - A newly formed group of call center workers called on the Department of Labor and Employment to promote decent work in BPO industry amidst reports of labor standard violations.

Sylvio Dorig, spokesperson of the Cebu City-based Inter-Call Center Association of Workers, said that they welcome the DOLE and Department of Health’s campaign for healthy living among BPO workers.

“ But we also call on the DOLE to uphold decent work among call center companies as e-sweatshops are proliferating in the industry. Sweatshop conditions not just stressful work are a problem of BPO employees,” said Dorig in a statement sent to The FREEMAN.

Sweatshop is defined as a negatively connoted term for any working environment considered to be unacceptably difficult or dangerous.

Dorig said that sweatshop worker often work long hours for very low pay, regardless of laws mandating overtime pay or a minimum wage. It further stated that sweatshops may have hazardous materials and situations. Employees may be subject to employer abuse without an easy way, if any, to protect themselves.

 ICCAW is a DOLE-registered workers association for mutual aid and protection.

Dorig issued the call as a group of call center workers in Metro Manila complained of underpayment of wages and non-payment of benefits as well as illegal dismissal against their former employer.

ICCAW is also supporting the fight of employees of Cordia Philippines, a call center located in Asiatown I.T. Park.

Earlier this year some 76 Cordia workers filed cases at the National Labor Relations Commission for illegal closure, non-payment of salaries and non-remittance of their mandated benefits.

 Partido ng Manggagawa national chair Renato Magtubo said that “a sunshine industry and dollar earning sector like the BPO should have no room for sweatshops.”

Magtubo said that DOLE must strictly regulate this fast growing industry in the interest of more than 600,000 workers.

In July last year, some 600 employees were laid off overnight when Direct Access also located at Asiatown I.T. Park in Cebu City, abruptly shutdown. After a few months of protests, the Direct Access workers got their money claims and separation pay.

As a result of that labor dispute, ICCAW was formed to be “a voice for BPO workers regarding specific grievances and general concerns.” (FREEMAN)