Lazada did not inform the union about its layoffs. But are companies required to do so?

When Lazada laid off workers earlier this month without informing the union, it not only raised the union's ire but raised questions on whether companies in Singapore are required to do so. Even though companies are not obliged to engage with NTUC, the union has taken the initiative to engage firms on retrenchment matters, said Dr Chew Soon Beng, an economics and industrial relations professor at NTU. He added that if NTUC becomes aware of a company’s intention to retrench a few hundred employees, it would approach the firm to find ways to minimise the number of workers affected. 

Read here for the article.