A workers’ welfare institute urgently called on the government to include private employees and laborers in work suspension policies during calamities.
As Typhoon Uwan (International name Fung-Wong) battered the country, the Institute for Occupational Health and Safety Development (IOHSaD) said the government must extend the work suspension to all private establishments in areas affected by calamities such as strong weather disturbances.
“Workers are not typhoon-proof — their safety and their families’ well-being must come first,” the group said.
IOHSaD also said authorities must also ensure that workers receive their full pay despite work suspensions.
“No one should have to choose between safety and livelihood in times of disaster,” it added.
Earlier, the group also condemned companies that refused to let call center employees from evacuating during the strong earthquake that hit Cebu province last September.
Meanwhile, Gabriela Women’s Rep. Sarah also called on the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and business process outsourcing (BPO) companies to uphold workers’ rights in times of calamity, stressing that workers’ safety must come before profit.
Elago said she is aware of reports that several BPO companies continue to operate business as usual, despite the severe weather conditions and government warnings of flooding, power outages, and unsafe travel.
Workers have the right to refuse report-to-work orders if it has become dangerous,” Elago said.
Elago emphasized that under DOLE Labor Advisory No. 17, s. 2022 and the Occupational Safety and Health Law (Republic Act No. 11058), workers have the right to refuse unsafe work without fear of retaliation, and employers are legally required to ensure the safety and health of their employees in situations posing imminent dange act on firms forcing employees to work during disasters.
“DOLE must proactively monitor companies’ labor rights compliance —especially in sectors with a history of forcing employees to work during disasters—and penalize violators that continue to endanger workers’ lives,” Elago urged.
Gabriela Women’s Party has previously filed a House resolution calling to investigate, in aid of legislation, reported cases where BPO employees in Cebu were forced to report to work despite safety hazards following an earthquake.
“No one should be forced to risk their lives just to meet company targets during a super typhoon. We likewise join the growing demand for DOLE and BPO companies to suspend work and provide paid emergency leaves for all directly affected workers,” Elago added. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)
