NTUC, SISEU to support We. Communications workers hit by layoffs

NTUC and the Singapore Industrial and Services Employees’ Union (SISEU) have stepped in to support workers impacted by recent retrenchments at global communications firm We. Communications in Singapore.

Support includes connecting workers to the Labour Movement’s network, including NTUC’s Employment and Employability Institute (e2i).

Singaporeans and PRs can access e2i’s job matching services, career coaching, and skills upgrading advisory through 27 touchpoints, or by booking an appointment at eappt.e2i.com.sg

Don’t miss: We. Communications lays off staff in Singapore

In addition, eligible union members can also tap the Union Training Assistance Programme (UTAP) to offset training costs for skills upgrading.

Workers can consult NTUC’s Guide on Navigating Retrenchment for essential information on retrenchment processes, key considerations, and employment resources to manage the transition.

Furthermore, affected members and workers are encouraged to reach out to SISEU for assistance via email or phone. 

”In retrenchment exercises where there are members working in non-unionised companies, NTUC’s affiliated unions and/or associations will extend assistance to our members should they be affected by the exercises,” said Desmond Tan, executive secretary, SISEU in a statement seen by MARKETING-INTERACTIVE.

Last week, We. Communications laid off staff in its Singapore office citing rising competition and growing trend of clients moving PR functions in-houses. 

The affected roles spanned the agency's creative, digital, PR and communications, operations, special projects, and integrated marketing teams.

When MARKETING-INTERACTIVE reached out at the time, a We. Communications spokesperson said "We have made the difficult decision to realign parts of our business, which has impacted a small number of roles." 

"Our priority is to support affected colleagued with care and respect. This includes providing strong references and transition assistance. We have also followed the responsible retrenchment recommendations outlined by the Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM), and have informed MOM of the affected employees. We continue to maintain a significant presence in Singapore, and are committed to serving our clients and investing in our long-term future here," added the spokesperson. 

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