The recent layoffs at CCIC Singapore, a China-linked firm, have sent shockwaves. About 300 employees have been affected by the company’s decision to go into liquidation following sanctions imposed by the United States. The firm, a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Certification & Inspection Group (CCIC), was among 15 companies blacklisted for their involvement in concealing the origins of Iranian oil destined for China.
According to affected employees, the retrenchments were announced abruptly on May 30, with terminations taking effect the following day. The employees, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that the company had delayed the payment of May salaries due to its pending liquidation status. They also expressed dissatisfaction with the severance package, especially concerning the lack of additional compensation for surveyors reliant on overtime pay and allowances.
The situation has prompted affected workers to seek assistance from organizations such as the Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Employees’ Union (SMEEU) and the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC). Marilyn Chew, executive secretary of SMEEU, affirmed that the union stands ready to provide support to affected members, including helping them file claims and access job-matching services.
In response to the layoffs, CCIC Singapore’s parent company CCIC, and the Ministry of Trade and Industry have been contacted for comments. The employees are questioning the lack of communication and support from the management, particularly in light of the company’s assets being frozen. They are calling for greater transparency and assistance from the headquarters to ensure that salaries and benefits are paid to the affected workers.
The impact of the US sanctions on CCIC Singapore’s operations has led to uncertainty and frustration among employees. Despite not being directly involved in the sanctioned activities, they find themselves caught in the aftermath. As one employee expressed, “This is a foreign company. They act like high and mighty, (but) they leave us in the lurch, just like that.”
The ongoing situation at CCIC Singapore highlights the ripple effects of geopolitical decisions on individuals and organizations.
