SINGAPORE – In a stunning announcement that caught many off guard, consumer electronics giant Dyson has laid off an undisclosed number of employees in Singapore on October 1.

The move has left the United Workers of Electronics and Electrical Industries (UWEEI), the union representing workers at the company, feeling blindsided, as they were notified only a day in advance.

Union's Response

Patrick Tay, the executive secretary of UWEEI, expressed discontent in a statement, stressing that such short notice undermines the opportunity for meaningful dialogue between Dyson management and its workers.

Tay emphasized the importance of collaborating in a timely manner to ensure that the interests of workers, especially the local Singaporean workforce, are protected.

Escalation to Authorities

The union has escalated the issue to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). While UWEEI recognized that the affected employees fall outside its representation under the existing collective agreement with Dyson, they remain committed to offering support to those impacted.

Dyson's Position

Dyson, on its part, claimed to have informed UWEEI in advance. A spokesperson stated that the company is adhering to all current MOM guidelines and is providing affected employees with necessary support, such as outplacement services and employment assistance programs.

“Dyson is continually reevaluating its team composition to align skills with business needs,” the spokesperson noted, adding that the company remains committed to its ambitions in Singapore and expects to see growth in the coming years.

Details on Affected Employees

Despite the lack of specific details on the number of employees affected or the roles impacted, sources suggest that the retrenchment packages being offered are in line with Singapore’s prevailing norms.

Generally, retrenchment benefits range from two weeks to one month's salary for each year of service, reflecting the company's financial standing.

Company's Presence in Singapore

Dyson, which employed over 1,920 staff at the end of 2023 after a significant 35% expansion, has maintained a robust presence in Singapore through its headquarters and advanced manufacturing operations.

Support from Economic Development Board (EDB)