Exxonmobil announces plans to reduce 10 to 15% of its Singapore workforce by end-2027

The largest impact is expected in Canada and across the European Union, as part of long-term restructuring that will affect about 3% to 4% of its global workforce.

Exxon Mobil Corp is expecting to cut staff numbers in Singapore by 10% to 15% and move its office to its Jurong plant on the island by the end of 2027, the company said on 1 October (Wednesday), in a global restructuring effort.

According to Reuters, these steps come after the US major unveiled plans on Tuesday to lay off 2,000 workers globally, particularly in Canada and across the European Union, as part of long-term restructuring that will affect about 3% to 4% of its workforce.

In an email statement cited by Reuters, Exxon Singapore said the decision is aimed at transforming the way it works to enhance competitiveness in an ever-changing landscape and better position the business for future success, adding that the changes will reshape and restructure the primarily office-based organisation.

"While detailed planning is still underway and organisational design is not yet complete, we anticipate this will result in estimated employee redundancies of 10% to 15% by year-end 2027."

The cuts are expected to hit about 500 workers among roughly 3,500 Exxon employees in Singapore, with plans to move its employees based at its HarbourFront offices to the Jurong Refinery at Pioneer Road in new expanded facilities by end-2027.

"We’ve seen the value of bringing people together in the same location," said ExxonMobil to CNA.

"These changes are designed to improve our competitiveness, increase effectiveness, and drive innovation," it added.

Union response

According to CNA, the Economic Development Board (EDB), Workforce Singapore (WSG), and the NTUC Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) will continue to work closely with ExxonMobil to support affected employees, including facilitating job placements.

"ExxonMobil will continue to maintain a significant business footprint here, including in manufacturing, HQ, and trading functions," EDB added.

The ExxonMobil Singapore Employees Union (EMSEU), an affiliate of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), told CNA it is in discussions with the company to understand the scope and implications of the job cuts.

"We remain committed to safeguarding the interests of our members and ensuring their rights are protected," said the union.

"The company has also committed to work closely with EMSEU to support affected workers during this process."

The union added that both it and NTUC are ready to offer assistance to help its members and workers transition to new job opportunities and provide financial support, if needed.

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