Retrenchments May Increase The Work Load Of BPO Employees
There is an alert for a future problem that is facing the outsourcing industry, where a think tank warned of probable lower rates of growth and the consequent reduction in its labor force, which is directly opposite what the industry has been saying for months—that the sector is not unduly affected by the global financial crisis.
The warning came from the Ecumenical Institute for Labor Education and Research Inc. (Eiler), which made a study of the issue.
Eiler deputy executive director Anna Leah Escresa-Colina said a reduced work force without a corresponding reduction in the work could lead to a rise in occupational health damage.
The Business Processing Association of the Philippines had recently announced that companies may cut growth rates in 2010.
“It has come to our attention that some outsourcing companies are already employing reduced work force while encouraging multitasking and additional unpaid
work hours which will further distress the health of the employees,” said Colina.
Eiler said the industry is virtually union-free because organizing in the sector is said to be covertly and overtly discouraged by the management.
It added the Department of Labor and Employment’s measure on the flexible-hours work arrangements has resulted in forced leaves, overtime without pay, shift reduction, rotation and compressed workweek in the sector.
Last year, an Eiler research on BPO companies servicing the airline, railway, bus, cruise-ship or ferry industry, logistics, goods, and transport industries found the occupational health risks from graveyard shifts, long working hours, short period of break time, very cool temperatures in work areas, and high work stress due to high quotas “are very serious and potentially life-threatening.”
“Most of the respondents experienced sleeping problems, eye strain, overall fatigue, headaches, chest and back pains, voice problems, and mental stress. Other health hazards include irrational behavior of customers. However, despite such high occupational health risks in call centers, clinical services are found to be wanting especially during graveyard shifts,” said Colina.
With the association’s target revenue of $13 billion in 2010, Colina said it will put a lot of pressure on employees and their right to organize and bargain with management.
“To be able to reach this revenue target, the right of BPO employees to organize will be effectively suppressed as only organized employees can comprehensively advance their concerns on health and safety, career paths and development, skills development, their social life, savings for their future, and long-term occupation security,” she said. Source