Toyota distributor Borneo Motors lays off workers in restructuring exercise
Affected employees were notified on Jul 30, which was also their last working day.
by Ng Hong Siang · CNA · JoinRead a summary of this article on FAST.
Get bite-sized news via a new
cards interface. Give it a try.
Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST
FAST
SINGAPORE: Borneo Motors, the authorised distributor for Toyota and Lexus cars in Singapore, has laid off workers as part of a restructuring exercise to streamline its operations.
Affected employees were informed on Jul 30, which was also their last working day, the Singapore Manual and Mercantile Workers’ Union (SMMWU) told CNA on Monday (Aug 3).
The number of workers affected was not disclosed.
In response to queries, Inchcape - the global automotive distribution group that owns Borneo Motors - said it had "reviewed its organisation in Singapore to ensure the business remains well positioned to deliver for customers and brand partners”.
CNA Games
Guess Word
Crack the word, one row at a time
Buzzword
Create words using the given letters
Mini Sudoku
Tiny puzzle, mighty brain teaser
Mini Crossword
Small grid, big challenge
Word Search
Spot as many words as you can
Show More
Show Less
"As a result, we are making targeted changes to streamline our operations and better align with current needs and future priorities," an Inchcape spokesperson said.
"We recognise the impact this may have on colleagues and are providing appropriate support during this time. As discussions are ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage."
SMMWU said it had been notified in advance of the retrenchment exercise and worked with the company to ensure affected workers would receive fair severance packages in line with the collective agreement.
The union is currently engaging affected members and workers to provide support and ensure they are treated fairly.
“As a good employment practice, SMMWU urges employers undertaking restructuring or retrenchment exercises to engage and communicate with affected workers as early as possible,” the union said, noting that earlier communication allows workers more time to prepare and access assistance.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said Borneo Motors had committed to providing a retrenchment package in line with the Tripartite Advisory on Managing Excess Manpower and Responsible Retrenchment. Under those guidelines, the standard retrenchment benefit norm is two weeks to one month of salary for each year of service, applying generally to employees with two or more years of service.
The ministry said its priority is to help affected employees find new jobs.
The Taskforce for Responsible Retrenchment and Employment Facilitation, which comprises MOM, the Skills and Workforce Development Agency, the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and NTUC’s Employment and Employability Institute, is working with Borneo Motors and SMMWU to provide job matching and career coaching.
Borneo Motors was incorporated in 1925 and became part of Inchcape in 1967. The company also distributes Hino trucks, a subsidiary of the Toyota group.
Newsletter
Week in Review
Subscribe to our Chief Editor’s Week in Review
Our chief editor shares analysis and picks of the week's biggest news every Saturday.
Sign up for our newsletters
Get our pick of top stories and thought-provoking articles in your inbox
Get the CNA app
Stay updated with notifications for breaking news and our best stories
Get WhatsApp alerts
Join our channel for the top reads for the day on your preferred chat app