1 The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and our affiliated union, Food Drinks and Allied Workers Union (FDAWU) are deeply disappointed that Lazada Singapore Pte Ltd (Lazada) have initiated a retrenchment exercise without notifying and consulting FDAWU, given that Lazada is unionised under FDAWU. This is in reference to the retrenchment exercise that was highlighted in media between 3rd and 4th January 2024.
2 FDAWU have written to Lazada to express their disappointment, stating that such a move is unacceptable. It has also escalated the matter to the Ministry of Manpower.
3 NTUC stands by FDAWU and affected workers. We too are extremely disappointed in this move by Lazada. NTUC would like to reiterate that it is critical for companies to work with their union to ensure that a fair and equitable process was carried out to safeguard the interests of all workers, especially our Singaporean core.
4 NTUC would like to reiterate that while retrenchments may be inevitable, it should only be used as a last resort. Companies must exhaust all other options before making the call to retrench employees. It also appeals to companies to be considerate about the timing of such exercises and to avoid doing such exercises during festive periods, as far as possible.
5 In the event of retrenchment, companies must ensure openness, transparency and consultation with unions and workers, and observe the guiding principles outlined in NTUC’s Fair Retrenchment Framework (24 July 2020) and the Tripartite Advisory on Managing Excess Manpower and Responsible Retrenchment.
6 NTUC would like to assure affected workers that you are our priority so please approach FDAWU (fdawu@ntuc.org.sg) for assistance. FDAWU will enlist the help of NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) to assist your search for new employment opportunities.
