Lazada and FDAWU enhance relationship for employee skills development

Lazada Singapore (Lazada) employees can look forward to improved skills and career growth as the firm deepens its partnership with the Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union (FDAWU) amidst a new e-commerce era.

Lazada and the NTUC-affiliated union will work on enhancing union-management relations, leadership growth, and workforce development.

This partnership promises a brighter future for Lazada’s employees in the rapidly growing e-commerce industry.

The e-commerce giant announced a suite of initiatives on 20 January 2025 to boost its workforce capabilities during a visit to its headquarters led by NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng and FDAWU leaders.

“Through FDAWU’s ongoing discussions with Lazada, we are creating pathways that allow workers to thrive and grow alongside the company’s business development and transformation.

“This partnership between FDAWU and Lazada exemplifies the power of collaboration between unions and companies,” said Mr Ng.

Boosting employee-management relations

One key area Lazada and FDAWU will work on is strengthening the communication and trust between employees and management.

Noting that union-management relations have grown from strength to strength over the past year, FDAWU President Julie Cheong said that the union is now focused on building a long-term partnership with the firm for workforce and business growth.

“Good labour-management relations are crucial as we foster a positive work environment, enhance productivity, and contribute to the overall well-being of employees.

“When our workers feel valued and supported, they are more motivated and engaged, leading to better performance, higher productivity and reduced turnover rates,” Ms Cheong said.

The union's president added that good labour-management relations can also help to reduce workplace conflicts and disputes

“Open communication channels and mutual respect between the management and the union allows for issues to be addressed promptly and amicably, preventing escalation, and hence fostering a harmonious environment for everyone,” she said.

As part of the efforts to boost the union-management relationship, Lazada’s branch officials, the elected representatives between the workers and management, will be equipped with industrial relations knowledge to develop effective communication channels fostering constructive dialogue.

These union leaders will also work on improving communication and workplace relations, thus creating a collaborative environment for employees and the firm to thrive.

“As representatives of their fellow workers, union leaders act as the voice in negotiations with companies for better employment terms and benefits. In the event of workplace grievances, union leaders intervene to resolve issues at the lowest level possible before they escalate to the union.

“With rapid changes occurring in workplaces today, union leaders play a crucial role in communicating company transformation strategies and assisting with change management. They also bring ground feedback to help improve productivity for the benefit of members, their employers, and the economy of Singapore,” Ms Cheong elaborated.

For starters, she said that the union representatives will conduct regular meetings to discuss key issues and opportunities for Lazada union members. They may also roll out programmes to benefit union members’ families, such as distributing care packs to help workers with the rising cost of living.

Ultimately, strengthening worker-management relations ensures that employees’ concerns are heard and resolved in accordance with their needs and the company’s goals.

Workforce development initiatives

Lazada and FDAWU are also making plans to increase the company’s workforce capabilities.

The initiatives include jointly curated lunch-and-learn sessions on topics such as workplace safety and health, wellness, and skills development.

The new initiatives will boost workers' capabilities and supplement the work of the Lazada-FDAWU Company Training Committee (CTC) formed in 2022.

Lazada is in talks with the union about exploring a CTC Grant project for its employees.

The CTC Grant, introduced by the Government in 2022, helps companies like Lazada access funding to implement projects that lead to better career prospects and wages.

Ms Cheong added that the firm’s union leaders will be involved in discussions on the upcoming CTC project.

Other FDAWU partnerships to improve workers’ lives

Lazada’s employees are not the only ones who will benefit from career advancement through collaboration with the FDAWU.

The established union, representing workers in Singapore’s hospitality and food sectors across more than 200 company branches, has also supported the growth of other branches within its network.

FDAWU recently teamed up with Raffles Hotel through a CTC partnership to drive technological adoption, upskill employees and redesign jobs.

According to Ms Cheong, nearly 100 hotel staff will be trained to use a new digital system to simplify and streamline procurement processes. The hotel will also join forces with NTUC to equip workers with emerging skills and nurture new leaders with leadership and management skills.

Sign up as an NTUC Union Member today and start benefiting from workforce development initiatives.