NTUC expresses dismay at Ninja Van and Yahoo retrenchments

NTUC expressed its dismay at Yahoo and Ninja Van for initiating retrenchment exercises on 29 April 2024 and 30 April 2024, respectively, leading up to May Day.

NTUC said in a statement that May Day is “a day meant to celebrate workers' contributions towards Singapore’s economy.”

Both companies are not unionised.

NTUC said: “We understand that companies need to undergo restructuring exercises from time to time, but they should be considerate about the timing of such exercises and avoid doing exercises during such periods.”

NTUC added that its affiliated unions, the Creative Media and Publishing Union (CMPU) and the Supply Chain Employees’ Union (SCEU), will contact general branch members to support workers who may be affected.

NTUC said: “In the event of retrenchment, companies must ensure openness, transparency and consultation with unions and workers, and observe the guiding principles outlined in NTUC’s Fair Retrenchment Framework [24 July 2020] and the Tripartite Advisory on Managing Excess Manpower and Responsible Retrenchment.”

On 29 April 2024, Yahoo is reportedly letting go of its editorial and social media teams in Singapore as it moves towards curating content here.

The Edge Singapore reported on 29 April 2024 that 17 staff are affected by the shift in Yahoo’s strategy.

On 30 April, Ninja Van reportedly announced layoffs for its Singapore tech office.

Less than 10 per cent of the region’s tech team is said to be retrenched.

Affected workers with Yahoo can contact CMPU at 6213 8510 or email the union at cmpu@ntuc.org.sg.

Meanwhile, affected workers with Ninja Van can contact SCEU at 6213 8112 or email the union at SCEU@ntuc.org.sg.