A Cebu-based business process outsourcing (BPO) employee and labour leader has filed an illegal dismissal complaint, alleging that disciplinary actions taken against him escalated after he became more actively involved in organising workers and advocating for higher wages.
Kyle Enero, president of the BPO Industry Employees Network (BIEN)-Cebu and vice president for the Visayas region, lodged a complaint before the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) on 17 August, challenging his dismissal from his former employer.
According to BIEN-Cebu, Enero's termination followed a 12-day suspension and a series of disciplinary measures that he had previously contested as unjustified, retaliatory and implemented without due process.
The labour organisation alleged that the disciplinary actions intensified after Enero formally became affiliated with BIEN-Cebu and assumed a more visible role in campaigns focused on workers' rights.
The group also linked the timing of the disciplinary measures to its recent wage advocacy initiatives, including consultations with workers and discussions with government officials and the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in Central Visayas.
BIEN-Cebu has been campaigning for a daily minimum wage of PHP1,200 in Cebu and neighbouring provinces, arguing that current wage levels no longer reflect the rising cost of living and inflationary pressures.
In a statement, the organisation said Enero had documented what it described as workplace harassment, repeated disciplinary notices issued without sufficient evidence and increased monitoring of his activities as a worker-organiser.
However, the group did not disclose specific details regarding the disciplinary cases or the official grounds cited by the employer in the dismissal.
BIEN-Cebu argued that the sequence of disciplinary actions and the eventual termination raised concerns about potential retaliation against employees involved in labour organising.
The organisation said the case extends beyond an individual employment dispute and could influence workers' willingness to participate in collective action, raise workplace concerns and advocate for their rights.
Enero is seeking legal remedies through the NLRC, where the complaint will proceed under the country's labour dispute resolution process.
BIEN-Cebu said it would continue supporting Enero through legal proceedings while pursuing accountability for what it believes to be a violation of workers' rights.
The organisation also encouraged BPO employees across the Philippines to continue advocating for fair wages, improved working conditions and stronger job protections.
The allegations remain unproven and will be subject to review through the NLRC's adjudication process. The employer will have the opportunity to respond to the claims during the proceedings.