Workers Make Possible calls for urgent aid as former Twelve Cupcakes staff remain stranded

SINGAPORE: Worker advocacy group Workers Make Possible has urged the public to step in and support former Twelve Cupcakes staff who remain stranded following the chain’s abrupt closure.

On 29 October, Twelve Cupcakes entered provisional liquidation, abruptly terminating about 80 employees without notice.

Affected workers have spoken publicly about the hardship they now face after the chain suddenly ceased operations.

In an Instagram post on 17 November, the group said it hopes to support five more workers by Thursday (20 Nov), noting that 17 workers have already been assisted so far.

Although its original target was S$3,000 by Sunday, the fundraiser surpassed expectations by raising more than S$4,000.

As the initiative aims to conclude on 30 November, Workers Make Possible is now hoping to reach S$5,000 to help another five workers cover rent, food, transport and other essentials.

As of 18 November, the fundraiser has collected more than S$18,700.

Job Search Urgent as Work Passes Cancelled

Workers Make Possible also appealed for job openings for affected staff, warning that many face heightened precarity after the cancellation of their work passes.

According to the group, about half of the stranded Twelve Cupcakes workers have had their work passes cancelled.

Some now have just seven days (for work permit holders) to secure new employment, while S-Pass holders have up to 30 days before they must leave Singapore.

The group encouraged the public to share any available vacancies — even those open only to Singaporeans and permanent residents — as they are also supporting local workers in need.

Worker Faces Eviction as Rent Deadline Looms

The group highlighted the case of Rajesh, one of the former workers, whose landlord has threatened to evict him if his rent is not paid by tomorrow.

Rajesh has approached the Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union (FDAWU) for assistance in negotiating with his landlord and hopes to receive an update soon.

Questions Raised Over Enforcement of MOM Investigation

Workers Make Possible acknowledged the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) ongoing investigation into Twelve Cupcakes, which is owned by the Dhunseri Group.

On 12 November, MOM divisional director Kandhavel Periyasamy confirmed that the company is being investigated for potential labour law breaches, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment.

However, the group questioned how enforcement would work in practice, noting that most of the company’s directors have listed addresses in India.

“As most directors of the company have addresses in India, how exactly will this be enforced?” the group asked.

It also questioned how the investigation would provide immediate relief to workers who urgently require money and employment.

Meeting With Liquidators Scheduled for 24 November

The former workers are scheduled to meet the company’s liquidators on 24 November.

Workers Make Possible said the group needs a clear timeline, a path forward and concrete support, warning that liquidation processes can take a long time.

In the meantime, stranded workers — particularly those on cancelled work passes — require immediate financial assistance and employment.

“However long liquidation takes, our stranded workers need jobs and money now, especially those on work passes,” the group said.

The group urged the public to continue contributing, share job openings, and support mutual aid efforts through the QR code or link provided on its social media page.

Proposed Measures to Protect Workers

Workers Make Possible proposed several measures to protect workers’ livelihoods and strengthen accountability as more F&B companies come under financial strain.

The group said company directors and owners should be made personally liable if they fail to pay their workers’ salaries.

It also called for mandatory insurance to ensure employees receive wages in lieu of notice during sudden retrenchments.

In addition, it proposed introducing a statutory fund to support workers who lose their jobs or are retrenched.