FDAWU supports 25 workers as Yeo Hiap Seng announces retrenchment at Senoko facility

Representatives from the Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union (FDAWU) were present at Yeo Hiap Seng headquarters on 31 March 2026 when the company announced the retrenchment of 25 employees from its can manufacturing facility.

Yeo Hiap Seng had given FDAWU advance notice of its intention. FDAWU General Secretary Sankaradass S Chami said that the union was present to ensure affected employees were provided with clear and accurate information, had their concerns addressed, and supported them with ongoing guidance and assistance throughout the transition.

"We recognise that retrenchments are an emotional exercise for both management and affected members, and clarity is important to reduce uncertainty and help them understand what support is available and that the union will journey with them through the transition," he said.

Mr Sanakaradass added that FDAWU will leverage the Labour Movement's network to help match the affected workers to jobs across unionised companies, including displaced PMEs.

Stronger outcomes for union members

Yeo Hiap Seng’s retrenchment packages will be provided in line with its Collective Agreement and unionised norms, said FDAWU in a statement.

Payouts will vary based on employees’ salaries, length of service and union membership status, with union members having higher severance caps than non-union members.

Mr Sankaradass said early engagement between companies and unions is critical, as it allows unions to work closely with management to ensure fair retrenchment packages aligned with industry norms, while also providing timely and structured support for affected workers.

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

Meanwhile, the company will offer open roles in Malaysia to workers who choose to continue their employment with Yeo Hiap Seng.

The next phase: Opening new doors

Beyond negotiations, FDAWU also arranged for complimentary onsite counselling support for affected employees.

The union added that it is supporting affected employees with career planning, job transitions and skills upgrading, including linking them to NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) for continual assistance.

NTUC’s e2i was also onsite to provide Singaporeans and PRs with information kits on career resources and share available career support services and career advisory to help workers transition to new job opportunities.

More information can be found at www.e2i.com.sg. Meanwhile, affected employees who require further assistance may approach FDAWU at 6737 6088 (working hours) or email fdawu@ntuc.org.sg.

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