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Dyson surprise layoffs spark union dissapointment and netizen outrage

Dyson’s surprise layoffs in Singapore on 1 October sparked outrage among netizens, who criticized the company’s practices and questioned union effectiveness. UWEEI expressed disappointment over insufficient notice, while employees remain concerned about further cuts despite Dyson’s reassurances.

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Dyson, the UK-based technology company, conducted an unexpected round of layoffs in Singapore on Tuesday (1 Oct), leaving many employees shocked and morale at an all-time low.

According to Channel News Asia, the layoffs come just three months after Dyson had assured staff that its Singapore operations, which serve as its global headquarters, would be unaffected by a global restructuring that had cut 1,000 jobs in Britain.

According to employees, the retrenchment exercise was carried out discreetly, with affected workers receiving email notifications for private “one-on-one” meetings.

These meetings, attended by human resources representatives, informed employees that their roles had been made redundant. One laid-off worker, speaking anonymously, shared that employees were unaware of who had been called into the meetings.

“We saw lots of envelopes, and people quietly packing up their things. It was surreal,” the employee said. Another worker confirmed that the layoffs affected staff in manufacturing and procurement, but neither could specify the total number of employees let go.

The layoffs have created a tense atmosphere in Dyson’s Singapore office, where many are concerned about the possibility of further retrenchments.

“People are shocked and have low morale. No one knows if more cuts are coming next week,” an employee noted, citing Dyson’s history of phasing layoffs, as seen in its July cuts in Britain.

A Dyson spokesperson responded to media inquiries by stating that the company was adjusting its team composition to ensure it had the right skills in place for future growth.

“Our ambitions in Singapore remain unchanged, and we expect to continue growing here in the medium term,” the spokesperson said. Dyson did not, however, disclose the number of employees laid off or provide specifics on how the company plans to support the affected staff.

Union criticise lack of notice

The United Workers of Electronics and Electrical Industries (UWEEI), an affiliate of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), expressed disappointment at the limited notice provided before the layoffs. UWEEI revealed that it was informed only one day before the retrenchment, which left little room for meaningful discussions. The union has escalated the matter to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for further review.

While the union acknowledged that those affected fall outside its scope of representation under its agreement with Dyson, it pledged to support the laid-off employees in collaboration with NTUC’s Employment and Employability Institute (e2i).

UWEEI and e2i will assist with job searches, career coaching, and retraining. The union also called on companies to adhere to NTUC’s Fair Retrenchment Framework, emphasizing the need to protect local workers and ensure that adequate support is given during layoffs.

When asked to respond to the union’s statement, Dyson said it had “respectfully informed UWEEI in advance” and was following all MOM guidelines. The company is offering employment assistance programs (EAP), including outplacement services and counseling for affected employees.

Dyson’s presence in Singapore

Dyson, best known for its vacuum cleaners, has been operating in Singapore since 2007. It designated Singapore as its global headquarters in 2019, and the city-state serves as a hub for Dyson’s research, engineering, and manufacturing operations.

The company produces its patented digital motors in Jurong, where a new motor is made every two seconds. Dyson is also investing in a high-tech battery manufacturing plant in Tuas, set to open by 2025. In 2022, Dyson announced plans to invest S$1.5 billion in its Singapore operations over the next four years, and as of 2023, employed over 1,920 people.

Despite this long-standing presence, the layoffs have left employees uncertain about Dyson’s future in Singapore. “We thought the company was going to step up investments here, but now we’re not so sure,” said one affected worker.

The Economic Development Board (EDB) issued a separate statement noting Dyson’s significant presence in Singapore. EDB emphasized that it would work closely with Dyson and relevant government agencies to support displaced workers, including helping them find new jobs in companies that require similar skill sets.

Social media outrage and scepticism    

In the aftermath of the layoffs, online platforms like Reddit and Facebook saw an outpouring of frustration.

Many commenters criticized Dyson for what they viewed as inconsistent behaviour, pointing out that the company frequently reposted job vacancies while simultaneously cutting jobs.

“This is a s**t company. They act like they’re hiring, but now they’re laying off,” one Reddit user wrote. Another added, “I’ve heard of this practice before. A lot of multinational corporations do the same thing.”

Others questioned the role of the union and the government in preventing such layoffs. “How does tripartism work here? Dyson is cutting jobs, and MOM is just watching,” one commenter posted, referring to the model of cooperation between the government, unions, and employers.

Another remarked, “Tripartite practice here is a joke. Trade unions should be independent to protect workers, but Singapore is too lax. Companies just take advantage.”

On Facebook, commenters continued to express dissatisfaction, with one individual asking why the union and MOM had not acted sooner.

“Is this because they are all white-collar workers? Only union members seem protected, while non-union workers have to fend for themselves.” Another wrote, “This retrenchment should have been handled better. Singapore is becoming too expensive, and when that happens, companies like Dyson will just leave.”

Many expressed scepticism about Dyson’s long-term commitment to Singapore. “They said they’d invest in Singapore, but now they’re cutting jobs. They take whatever benefits they can get and leave as soon as things get tough,” one commenter speculated.

Others pointed out the growing global competition for skilled workers, with one user writing, “More countries can do what Singapore does at a fraction of the cost. If we don’t innovate, we’ll lose more jobs.”

As the debate continues online, affected employees are left to navigate the uncertainty brought on by the layoffs, with many unsure about what the future holds for Dyson’s operations in Singapore.

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Labour

RDU questions effectiveness of PAP-NTUC symbiotic relationship in supporting retrenched workers

Red Dot United has expressed serious concerns about recent layoffs at Dyson and Samsung, leaving many Singaporean workers facing sudden retrenchments. RDU highlighted the ineffectiveness of unions under the National Trades Union Congress, citing the Lazada incident, where the union failed to provide concrete support, leaving workers feeling neglected. RDU questions how NTUC’s close relationship with the PAP has benefited workers during such crises.

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3 October 2024

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SINGAPORE: Red Dot United (RDU) has voiced serious concerns regarding the recent layoffs at Dyson and Samsung, which have left many workers in Singapore facing sudden retrenchments.

In an statement issued on Wednesday (2 October), RDU highlighted that in July 2023, Dyson’s founder, James Dyson, was awarded the Public Service Star for his significant contributions to the Singapore economy.

“Yet, less than a year later, Dyson’s Singapore staff were shown the door with what seems to be a cavalier attitude towards their well-being.”

RDU criticised the ineffectiveness of unions under the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) in supporting workers facing retrenchment, echoing earlier controversies such as the Lazada layoffs, where unions appeared reactive rather than proactive in advocating for their members’ interests.

The party pointed out that during the Lazada incident, the union struggled to provide concrete support to workers, leaving many feeling neglected.

RDU: Union Response Lacks Impact, Leaving Vulnerable Workers Without Assurance

In an earlier statement, the United Workers of Electronics and Electrical Industries (UWEEI) expressed disappointment at receiving just one day’s notice from Dyson, deeming it insufficient for meaningful dialogue.

Although the union has escalated the matter to the Ministry of Manpower and expressed willingness to support affected workers, it also clarified that these retrenched staff fall outside the union’s scope of representation under the collective agreement with Dyson.

RDU said this leaves the union’s response looking inadequate and toothless, offering little assurance to workers in such vulnerable positions.

RDU also criticises the Government’s “trampoline” approach, which has been promoted by Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, the current President, and NTUC’s Chief Ng Chee Meng.

RDU said while the rhetoric sounds promising, affected workers feel they are landing on bare concrete without a safe bounce back.

“How has NTUC’s symbiotic relationship with the PAP helped the workers in this instance?”

RDU further questioned the adequacy of the Government’s SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme, arguing that $6,000 over six months is insufficient to ensure genuine job security and support for those affected.

“A temporary financial cushion is no substitute for real job security. Whatever help scheme the Government rolls out should not place additional pressure on vulnerable workers, many of whom need more comprehensive support to regain their footing.”

RDU highlighted that workers in Singapore are facing a “double blow” due to ineffective unions and a government safety net that is insufficient to support those in need.

” This is because the unions, which should be standing strong for workers’ rights, are often perceived as being too closely aligned with the ruling party’s goals rather than focused on the needs of the workers.”

“It is no surprise, then, that many of those affected feel alone and uncertain about their future.”

RDU reiterated its long-standing call for stronger measures to ensure fair treatment of workers during retrenchments.

The party stressed that layoffs have significant personal impacts, affecting individuals, families, and overall societal well-being, rather than being seen solely as economic occurrences.

RDU proposed specific solutions to enhance support for laid-off workers, such as improving unemployment insurance and allowing Central Provident Fund (CPF) members, particularly older workers, to borrow from their accounts during unemployment. This would provide meaningful financial relief and help ease the stress of job transitions.

RDU underscored the urgency for both the Government and unions to demonstrate their commitment to protecting the livelihoods of Singaporeans amidst ongoing layoffs.

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Civil Society

WMP: The Dyson lay-offs is a test of how useful PAP’s relationship with unions is for workers

In response to Dyson’s recent layoffs, Workers Make Possible (WMP) questioned whether The United Workers of Electronics and Electrical Industries (UWEEI), an NTUC affiliate, will fight for workers’ livelihoods or accept defeat. WMP highlighted that many PAP leaders, including SM Teo Chee Hean and MP Patrick Tay, lead UWEEI’s Council of Advisors, raising concerns about its effectiveness.

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20 hours ago

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2 October 2024

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The recent lay-off decision by UK-based tech giant Dyson in Singapore has raised significant questions about the effectiveness of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP)’s relationship with unions, according to local civil society group Workers Make Possible (WMP).

In an Instagram post, WMP shared two screenshots of news articles, highlighting the irony of British billionaire James Dyson receiving the Public Service Star (Distinguished Friends of Singapore) award in July 2023 for his contributions to the Singaporean economy.

However, fast forward to recently, Dyson’s unexpected round of layoffs left many employees in shock and morale at an all-time low, with only a day’s notice given to The United Workers of Electronics and Electrical Industries (UWEEI), an affiliate of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC).

 

According to Channel News Asia, the layoffs come just three months after Dyson had assured staff that its Singapore operations, which serve as its global headquarters, would be unaffected by a global restructuring that had cut 1,000 jobs in Britain.

Employees reported that the retrenchment process was conducted discreetly, with affected workers receiving email notifications for private “one-on-one” meetings.

During these meetings, attended by human resources representatives, employees were informed that their roles had been rendered redundant.

A Dyson spokesperson responded to media inquiries by stating that the company was adjusting its team composition to ensure it had the right skills in place for future growth.

“Our ambitions in Singapore remain unchanged, and we expect to continue growing here in the medium term,” the spokesperson said.

Dyson did not, however, disclose the number of employees laid off or provide specifics on how the company plans to support the affected staff.

UWEEI expressed disappointment over the layoffs, revealing that it was informed only a day before the retrenchment, which left little room for meaningful discussions.

The union has since escalated the matter to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for further review.

While the union acknowledged that the affected employees fell outside its scope of representation under its agreement with Dyson, it pledged to support the laid-off workers in collaboration with NTUC’s Employment and Employability Institute (e2i).

UWEEI and e2i will assist with job searches, career coaching, and retraining. The union also called on companies to adhere to NTUC’s Fair Retrenchment Framework, emphasizing the need to protect local workers and ensure that adequate support is given during layoffs.

WMP Calls on UWEEI to Act Decisively Amidst Dyson Layoffs, Questioning PAP’s Commitment to Worker Advocacy

Commenting on UWEEI’s response to the recent Dyson layoffs, WMP noted that many PAP members are part of its Council of Advisors, with Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean serving as Chairman and PAP MP Patrick Tay as secretary.

WMP also pointed out that during a parliamentary sitting last month, PAP MPs fervently defended the importance of involvement in trade unions to protect workers.

“Critics should pause their judgement and see what the UWEEI can do in this moment of crisis for the laid-off workers,” WMP remarked.

The group questioned the effectiveness of UWEEI’s actions, suggesting that if PAP MPs are correct in their assertions, then UWEEI should not remain passive.

“It surely cannot be the case that all the UWEEI is able to advertise up-skilling programs to laid-off workers?”

WMP questioned what UWEEI’s next steps will be and whether they will accept defeat or fight for workers’ livelihoods.

 

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