Ninja Van has laid off about 12% of its employees in Singapore as part of a big plan to restructure the company. This move is meant to make their business model stronger and help them grow in a sustainable way. There were also layoffs in April and July of last year. The company stated that the job cuts were not made “lightly” and were necessary to match job roles with future business needs, especially with all the challenges in the global logistics industry and tough competition in Southeast Asia.
The company, a logistics provider, is making its headquarters more streamlined so it can better support important areas of growth, like business-to-business restocking and cold chain logistics, which uses technology.
The employees who were affected by the layoffs will receive a severance package that follows the official tripartite advisory on responsible retrenchment. The company is even extending these benefits to people who have worked there for less than two years. Ninja Van will also provide extended medical insurance, mental health support, and a longer time for employees to use their stock options. Career help, like networking opportunities and reference letters, will also be given.
Union Steps In
The Supply Chain Employees’ Union (SCEU) was told about the layoffs ahead of time. Even though Ninja Van is not a unionized company, the SCEU is helping its members who were affected. They are talking with Ninja Van to make sure the compensation is fair and are looking for other jobs for the workers. Some workers have already been moved to new roles.
The SCEU is also connecting members with help from the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), like the e2i (Employment and Employability Institute), which has sent career coaches to give advice. In addition, workers who were laid off can get free counseling and use the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme. Eligible union members can also use the Union Training Assistance Programme to upgrade their skills.
