Heart of the Matter Podcast: Lazada layoffs - How far can unions help workers?

[LaksaNews]

E-commerce giant Lazada’s retrenchment exercise resulted in criticism of how it was handled, including its lack of consultation with the union. But what role can unions play when companies need to let employees go and what happens when employers don’t fulfill their tripartite obligations?

Steven Chia sits down with Patrick Tay, assistant secretary-general of the National Trades Union Congress and Sim Gim Guan, executive director of the Singapore National Employers Federation.

Patrick Tay, assistant secretary-general of NTUC and Member of Parliament for Pioneer SMC, on the Heart of the Matter podcast. (Photo: CNA/Tiffany Ang)

(From left) Steven Chia, Patrick Tay, assistant secretary-general of NTUC and Member of Parliament of Pioneer SMC, Sim Gim Guan, executive director of the Singapore National Employers Federation, on the Heart of the Matter podcast. (Photo: CNA/Tiffany Ang)
Mr Patrick Tay:

In Singapore, we've a very unique structure called the industrial arbitration court ... if we can't really resolve anymore ... the court is convened (and) is preceded by a high court judge ... who will then adjudicate over the matter.

Mr Sim Gim Guan:

You cannot expect that the skills you have today will remain relevant because the job you have today will be affected ... The more you are skilled ... then your confidence to secure your next job will be much higher.

Jump to these key moments:

• 1:20 The role of unions
• 3:56 Are companies obligated to inform the union?
• 6:34 What happened with Lazada?
• 14:45 Upskilling to avoid retrenchment
• 16:28 Are strikes legal in Singapore?
• 20:14 What to do if there are workplace disputes?

Find more episodes of Heart of the Matter here.

A new episode of Heart of the Matter drops every Friday. Follow the podcast on Apple or Spotify for the latest updates.

Have a great topic for us? Drop the team an email at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sg

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