LABOR Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma urged employers to show understanding towards employees struggling to return to work in the wake of the 6.9-magnitude Cebu earthquake.
“The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) reminds employers to be compassionate and understanding of the plight of their workers and to provide them needed assistance,” he said via Viber.
He added that employees unable to report to work due to family obligations or safety issues should not face disciplinary action.
The DoLE made the announcement after at least 10 business process outsourcing (BPO) companies in Cebu City ordered their employers to keep working after the quake struck late on Sept. 30, as alleged by the Cebu chapter of the BPO Industry Employees Network (BIEN).
Some employees were ordered to return to their workstations just 30 minutes after the tremor despite aftershocks, with some workplaces blocking emergency exits, BIEN said in a statement.
Others were offered double pay to continue working, while those who left faced threats of dismissal, pay cuts, or loss of bonuses, the group added.
Some workers were allegedly forced to sign nondisclosure agreements barring them from discussing their companies’ post-earthquake measures.
“BIEN Cebu strongly condemns these unacceptable labor practices and calls for the immediate protection of BPO employees and their families, whether they are working onsite or remotely,” the organization said, urging DoLE to hold employers accountable for “endangering workers’ lives.”
Mr. Laguesma said DoLE Region VII is now investigating the matter. “We need details so we can take the appropriate measure/action against alleged erring employers.”
Federation of Free Workers President Jose G. Matula said employees may lawfully refuse or delay reporting to work during disasters or emergencies if they believe conditions pose serious risks.
“Employees may refuse or delay their return, which is not misconduct but a legitimate exercise of their rights,” he said via Viber.
Such refusals, made in good faith and ideally reported to the employer, cannot be met with disciplinary action, he added.
The DoLE has mobilized support for affected workers in the Central Visayas, where more than 1,500 beneficiaries have been identified for short-term income aid under its emergency jobs program, Mr. Laguesma said.
About P8.8 million has been allocated through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, which provides temporary employment for beneficiaries. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana
