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).

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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.

The arrest of Cambodian journalist Mech Dara on 30 September 2024 has led to widespread condemnation from civil society groups, media organisations, and international bodies.

Dara, an investigative journalist known for his work on human trafficking and cyber scams in Cambodia, was arrested by Cambodian military police while travelling with family from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh.

He has been charged with incitement under Articles 494 and 495 of the Cambodian Criminal Code for a series of social media posts made in late September. If convicted, Dara faces up to two years in prison.

On 1 October 2024, Dara was formally charged and sent to pretrial detention by the Phnom Penh Capital Court.

Prosecutor Lim Sokuntheara, who led the investigation, cited Dara’s social media posts on 20, 23, 26, 28, and 29 September 2024 as the basis for the charges, alleging they were intended to incite social disorder. Dara is currently being held at Kandal Provincial Prison.

The arrest has been strongly criticised by a coalition of over 40 civil society groups, media organisations, and international bodies.

These groups issued a joint statement calling for Dara’s immediate release and condemning the Cambodian government’s actions as a clear attempt to silence one of the country’s most courageous journalists. They argue that Dara’s investigative work, which has exposed corruption, environmental destruction, and human trafficking in Cambodia, is crucial for public accountability.

The joint statement reads: “We, the undersigned communities, media organisations, and civil society groups, are calling for the immediate release of Cambodian journalist Mech Dara, who was charged with incitement and sent to pretrial detention by the Phnom Penh Capital Court on 1 October 2024. The charges against him are a clear attempt to silence a brave journalist whose work has continually sought justice and accountability for human rights violations.”

In addition to the statement from civil society, the International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) also issued a powerful message of support.

The IACC, a global forum focused on anti-corruption efforts, highlighted Dara’s involvement in exposing corruption and other illicit activities, as well as his collaboration with Transparency International.

In June 2024, Dara participated in a panel discussion at the IACC in Vilnius, Lithuania, which addressed scam operations, casinos, and human trafficking in Southeast Asia. During the session, Dara recounted his experiences investigating scam compounds, including the trafficking, torture, and killing that often occur within these criminal enterprises.

The IACC expressed its solidarity with Dara, stating: “As the international anti-corruption community, we stand in solidarity with the brave, often unprotected citizens and journalists who report on corruption. Dara’s arrest is deeply concerning, and we call on the Cambodian government to release him immediately.”

According to witnesses, Dara was detained at the Srae Ambel toll booth on the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway. His vehicle was stopped by six cars, including one marked with Royal Gendarmerie of Cambodia insignia, and he was taken into custody by Gendarmerie officers. His family and legal representatives were not informed of his whereabouts for nearly 24 hours, raising concerns about his treatment and access to legal support.

Dara’s recent social media posts, including photos of quarrying activities in Ba Phnom, Prey Veng Province, were labelled as fake news by provincial officials.

The Prey Veng provincial administration had accused Dara of seeking to cause “social disorder” and requested legal action against him. This accusation followed his broader investigations into controversial industries, including online scam compounds and environmental degradation, which have frequently placed him in the crosshairs of local authorities.

Dara’s investigative reporting has been featured in prominent outlets such as the Cambodia Daily, Phnom Penh Post, and Voice of Democracy, and his work has been recognised internationally.

In 2023, he was awarded the US State Department’s Trafficking in Persons Report Hero Award for his courageous reporting on human trafficking in Cambodia. His journalism has consistently highlighted exploitation, forced labour, and corruption, earning him both acclaim and enmity from powerful figures in Cambodia.

The statement calling for Dara’s release has been endorsed by numerous local and international organisations, including the Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR), the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) Indonesia, Transparency International Cambodia, and Reporters Without Borders. These groups argue that Dara’s arrest represents an alarming escalation in the Cambodian government’s crackdown on press freedom.

In recent years, the Cambodian government has faced increasing criticism for its treatment of journalists, with many facing harassment, legal threats, and arrest.

Mercy Chriesty Barends, Chairperson of the ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) and a member of Indonesia’s House of Representatives, reiterated her earlier call for Dara’s release.

“The Cambodian government must release Mr. Dara immediately and unconditionally. His arrest is part of a broader campaign to intimidate journalists and silence those who speak truth to power. It is essential that the international community remains vigilant in defending press freedom.”

APHR board member Arlene D. Brosas, also a Member of Parliament from the Philippines, further highlighted Cambodia’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

She reminded the Cambodian government that Article 19 of the ICCPR guarantees the right to freedom of expression and press freedom. “The Cambodian authorities must respect their international obligations. The media plays a crucial role in upholding democracy, human rights, and accountability,” Brosas said.

The statement concludes with a demand for the Cambodian government to drop all charges against Mech Dara, release him from pretrial detention, and end its harassment of journalists.

As Cambodia prepares for increased international scrutiny over its human rights record, Dara’s case has become a symbol of the shrinking space for free expression in the country.