Singapore’s Dyson disappoints union with 1-day notice layoff
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A workers’ union in Singapore has expressed disappointment in household appliance maker Dyson for informing it of a layoff only one day in advance.
The United Workers of Electronics and Electrical Industries (UWEEI) said in a Facebook post Wednesday that the company only gave it a one-day notice about the layoff on Tuesday, which was “unacceptable.”
The move did not give sufficient time for the union, Dyson and the affected workers to discuss the matter to ensure employees’ interest and welfare are supported, it added.
It has brought the matter to the attention of the Ministry of Manpower.
Dyson, which did not disclose the number of workers it had let go, said that the company had “respectfully informed UWEEI in advance.”
The company was following all prevailing guidelines from the Ministry of Manpower and providing employees with the support they need, including outplacement services and employment assistance programs, it added.
The layoff came three months after it announced a global restructuring that involved about 1,000 job cuts in the U.K.
The company said at the time that Singapore employees were “not directly impacted” by the plan.
Some employees told Channel News Asia that the retrenchment exercise was done “very discreetly” and came as a surprise.
“People are shocked and have low morale, as they are not sure when their turn might come,” a laid-off employee spoke on condition of anonymity.
Dyson is known as a manufacturer of high-end vacuum cleaners, air purifiers and bladeless fans. It opened the first Singapore office in 2007 and chose the country as its global head office in 2019.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which body has the union escalated its concerns to regarding the short notice given by Dyson?
Which body has the union escalated its concerns to regarding the short notice given by Dyson?
The United Workers of Electronics and Electrical Industries (UWEEI) has brought the issue of insufficient layoff notice to the attention of the Ministry of Manpower. The union deemed the one-day notice unacceptable for discussions.
Q.What is Dyson's stated position regarding its compliance with official regulations during this layoff?
What is Dyson's stated position regarding its compliance with official regulations during this layoff?
Dyson claims it respectfully informed the union in advance and is following all prevailing guidelines from the Ministry of Manpower. The company also states it is providing affected employees with necessary support, including outplacement services.
Q.Were Singapore employees impacted by Dyson's earlier global restructuring announcement?
Were Singapore employees impacted by Dyson's earlier global restructuring announcement?
No, Singapore employees were not directly impacted by the global restructuring announced three months prior, which involved approximately 1,000 job cuts in the U.K. This current layoff is a separate event.
Q.How did some employees describe the way the recent retrenchment exercise was conducted?
How did some employees describe the way the recent retrenchment exercise was conducted?
Some employees told Channel News Asia that the retrenchment exercise was done 'very discreetly' and came as a surprise. A laid-off employee mentioned that people are shocked and morale is low.