Yeo's cans 25 jobs at Senoko plant in Singapore

Yeo Hiap Seng, also known as Yeo's, has laid off 25 employees at its Senoko facility in Singapore, the company announced on Tuesday (March 31).

Yeo's stressed that it is "fully committed" to aiding the 25 employees with job placement assistance, career guidance and counselling support. 

"Wherever possible, opportunities for open roles within Yeo's Malaysia will be offered," the company said, adding that the retrenched workers will receive benefits commensurate with each of their salaries and years of service.

Yeo's has also worked closely with the Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union to ensure that the retrenchment package and support provided reflect appreciation for the contributions of the affected staff, the company stated.

It explained that these retrenchments are part of a streamlining of operations to consolidate can manufacturing in Malaysia, which enables the Group's Johor and Selangor facilities to optimise utilisation of resources and improve manufacturing efficiency.

"The Senoko facility in Singapore will continue to serve as the Group's headquarters, cross-border logistics hub, and smaller-scale manufacturing centre," Yeo's added.

Union to assist retrenched workers

The Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union (FDAWU) general secretary Sankaradass S Chami shared in a statement on Tuesday that the Union will be working to provide support for the affected employees.

Yeo's, unionised under FDAWU, had put out an advance notice to the union and negotiated fair and responsible outcomes for those retrenched, according to the statement.

Chami reiterated Yeo's assurance that the employees will be offered opportunities for roles in Malaysia and retrenchment packages in line with unionised norms, based on their salary, years of service and union membership status.

"FDAWU is working closely with Yeo's to support affected employees in the next phase of their careers, including career planning, job transitions and skills upgrading," Chami added.

When Yeo's announced their consolidation to affected employees on Tuesday, FDAWU was also present to ensure that accurate and clear information was provided, also assisting with queries and concerns raised.

Complimentary counselling support was also available onsite for the retrenched workers, along with the National Trades Union Congress' Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) which provided information on career resources and support services for transitioning to new job opportunities.

Chami said: "FDAWU remains committed to journeying with affected employees throughout this transition.

"The union will continue to provide support to them across job transitions, skills upgrading and career pathways, and will render assistance wherever needed."

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khooyihang@asiaone.com