The Philippines' Labor Secretary has ordered an investigation into dozens of business process outsourcing (BPO) companies accused of forcing employees to work during typhoon Uwan, despite unsafe conditions. The BPO Industry Employees Network (BIEN Philippines) has formally requested the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to probe 98 BPO firms and sites, mostly in Metro Manila, for potential violations of occupational safety laws and work suspension guidelines during severe weather. According to BIEN, many BPO workers were compelled to report to work on-site despite "widespread flooding," "high-risk travel conditions," and power outages. BIEN national president Mylene Cabalona stated in the request to the Secretary, "The reports we have received indicate that many BPO companies continue to compel employees to report on-site despite widespread flooding, high-risk travel conditions, and power interruptions." Typhoon Uwan struck Luzon after making landfall in Aurora province on Sunday night, causing floods, landslides, storm surges, and power outages. The typhoon left at least 25 people dead before moving toward Taiwan. Those who chose not to report were allegedly issued notices to explain (NTEs).
