SINGAPORE: Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore (APBS), the maker of Tiger Beer has retrenched 33 workers in its latest restructuring exercise.

According to a retrenched employee who contacted The Straits Times, the laid-off workers were told on Nov 23.

They were also asked to pack up and leave the company premises on the same day. In the letter of termination sent out to affected employees and seen by The Straits Times, the last day of employment for affected employees was stated as Dec 31.

When contacted, APBS confirmed that 33 workers were affected by the latest restructuring.

A spokesman said in an e-mail: “In line with changing market realities in Singapore, APBS has made some changes to our operations to step up productivity.

“Unfortunately, a number of roles were impacted through this restructuring process.”

The spokesman added: “We are grateful for the contributions of the affected employees and have provided all necessary support as aligned with the union and retrenchment guidelines.”

APBS workers are represented by the Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union (FDAWU), which is affiliated to the National Trades Union Congress.

According to the FDAWU’s latest collective agreement with APBS, dated June 8, 2021, the company has to give retrenched workers one month’s notice of termination or pay them one month’s gross salary in lieu of notice.

The company is also required to negotiate with the union the retrenchment benefits and ex gratia payments for affected workers. In response to queries, the FDAWU and APBS said that 8% of the company’s total workforce of 380 were affected by restructuring.

 - ANN