Crystal Jade restructuring affects 120 workers as four outlets are shut down

FDAWU and NTUC’s e2i have stepped in with employment and career support for the affected workers.

Singapore-based culinary brand Crystal Jade has implemented restructuring measures, with four outlets having to be closed down and about 120 workers receiving termination notices, as reported by The Straits Times.

The four outlets, three Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao restaurants at Bugis Junction, Toa Payoh and i12 Katong, as well as Crystal Jade GO at Oasis Terraces in Punggol, ceased operations on 6 October (Tuesday).

As further shared by The Straits Times, the restructuring comes ahead of a proposed sale of the business.

Advisory firm Kroll, whose representatives were appointed receivers over the holding companies of Crystal Jade’s Singapore and Hong Kong operations on 29 September (Tuesday), said on 7 October (Wednesday) that restructuring measures for the Singapore business had been implemented.

Following the closures, Crystal Jade now has nine operating outlets in Singapore and a reported workforce of about 210.

FDAWU mobilises support for affected Crystal Jade workers

In a statement shared with Human Resources Online, the Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union (FDAWU), an affiliated union of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), said it understands that Crystal Jade is under receivership and has implemented operational restructuring measures.

While Crystal Jade is a non-unionised company, FDAWU said it was approached by the appointed receivers to support affected union members and workers.

The union said it was heartened to have been proactively engaged by the receivers, allowing it to take action promptly to support workers during the period of uncertainty and transition.

During a communications exercise conducted by Crystal Jade for affected workers, FDAWU mobilised support in the form of on-the-ground assistance with NTUC’s Employment and Employability Institute (e2i).

FDAWU and e2i have since curated more than 400 job opportunities across the food manufacturing, food services, hospitality, and wholesale and retail sectors.

The organisations have also engaged employer partners to conduct on-site interviews for affected workers, including Paris Baguette, Neo Group Bakery, and Din Tai Fung.

FDAWU representatives were onsite to assist affected union members, address their queries, and provide guidance on available support schemes. Care packs containing daily essentials and groceries were also prepared for affected union members.

Advisory: e2i is accessible through 28 touchpoints. Affected union members and workers can also make an appointment to meet an e2i career coach or contact its general enquiries hotline at 6474 0606, or contact FDAWU at 6737 6088 during office hours or email fdawu@ntuc.org.sg.

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Lead image / The Straits Times