Tulfo bill to enhance BPO worker job security, benefits

MANILA, Philippines — Business process outsourcing (BPO) workers will receive additional benefits and protection against risks during calamities and other hazardous working conditions, under a proposal filed before the Senate.

Filed by Sen. Raffy Tulfo, Senate Bill 1493 or the BPO Workers’ Welfare and Protection Act aims to expand job security, mandate earlier access to medical benefits and set a national entry-level wage aligned with the family living wage for the sector.

“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, also chair of the Senate committee on labor and employment.

He added the measure not only reinforces existing labor standards, but also provides additional safeguards tailored to the demands of BPO work.

Under the bill, BPO operations would be automatically suspended during typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, fire incidents and other states of calamity.

The proposal follows reports that some BPO companies allegedly compelled employees to report for duty at the height of Super Typhoon Uwan, forcing workers to traverse floodwaters, endure power outages and risk their safety.

The measure also makes reporting to work voluntary during heavy rains and other forms of inclement weather, with employees entitled to hazard pay when they choose to work.

On job security, the bill states that BPO workers must be considered regular employees after a six-month probationary period, and those whose training last less than six months should attain regular status immediately after completing training.

Tulfo further proposed that the entry-level wage for BPO workers should not be lower than P36,000, citing the need for compensation standards that reflect the cost of living.

The bill also seeks to guarantee immediate medical benefits upon hiring – not only after regularization – and to reinforce workers’ rights to organize, participate in collective bargaining and engage in workplace policy deliberations affecting their rights.