RETRENCHMENTS in the electronics sector are expected to total 1,000 in the last three months of the year, NTUC deputy secretary general Halimah Yacob disclosed on Sunday.

But their bosses have been largely exemplary in giving the labour movement lots of notice about the layoffs, she said, without identifying the companies.

The responsible action taken by the employers gives union officials enough time and wriggle room to plan retraining, or to help those affected transit into a new jobs or sectors.

'These are good examples of companies giving us advance notice,' said Madam Halimah. Employers who are considering retrenchments in January have also already informed the union, for instance.

'The working relationship has been pretty good.'

Labour chief Lim Swee Say recently criticised DBS Bank for failing to consult its staff union before retrenching 900 workers and for not exploring other cost-cutting measures first.

Madam Halimah on Sunday reiterated her point that other cost-cutting should be looked at first, when she spoke to reporters at a family day outing for members of the United Workers of Electronic and Electrical Industries (Uweei) at the Singapore Zoo.

Temporary shutdowns are one possible measure, said Madam Halimah, the Uweei's executive secretary.

'Usually, factories take advantage of the festive season to have a plant shutdown. This time it may be bit longer.''

Read the full story in Monday's edition of The Straits Times.