BPAP: Employee safety is paramount

Workers who can safely travel and report to work entitled to holiday pay

(August 7, 2012—Manila, Philippines) — The Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP) advised employees to make personal safety and security their principal concern when deciding to report for work during inclement weather.

“Our top priority is the safety of our employees, their families, and the communities we operate from,” said Benedict Hernandez, BPAP president and CEO. “The Office of the President earlier today declared August 7 a no-work day due to floods and typhoons, and IT-BPO employees who cannot safely travel to work are encouraged to remain home for the day.

“Those that desire to work should coordinate travel arrangements with their companies, as circumstances vary from company to company,” he said.

IT-BPO employees reporting to work are entitled to a 30% premium on basic pay according to Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz. “If a worker or employer works,” she said, “the employee is entitled to premium pay.”

“Our employees over the years have shown tremendous commitment to our industry and their employers,” Benedict said. “We are equally committed to them. We’re not just thinking about today and tomorrow, we’re thinking about the next 10 years and beyond.

“History shows that our employees and our industry have always responded professionally and exceptionally to natural calamities and other challenges. This instance will be no different,” he said.

In 2011, the Philippines’ IT-BPO industry generated more than $11 billion in revenue and employed almost 640,000 Filipinos. By 2016, it is expected to grow to $25 billion in annual revenue and employ 1.3 million, according to an industry road map.

About BPAP
The Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP) is the umbrella association for the IT-BPO and GIC (Global In-House Center) industry in the Philippines. BPAP serves as the one-stop information and advocacy gateway for the industry. With approximately 300 industry and support-industry members, including five associations, BPAP plays a pivotal role in sustaining rapid growth of the IT-BPO and GIC industry by working to ensure an enduring supply of high quality labor, supporting service innovation, and providing country visibility.

BPAP assists investors in setting up operations easily and quickly in the Philippines. Relevant research, introductions to key government and industry officials, and a series of briefings at each step of the investment process ensure a seamless development process. On-going support is provided through a wide variety of initiatives, including programs for HR development, business development, and on-going knowledge sharing and networking opportunities.

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