Twelve Cupcakes staff to recover part of unpaid salaries from end-March: F&B union

[SINGAPORE] Affected employees of local cupcake chain Twelve Cupcakes will begin receiving a portion of their unpaid salaries from end-March, the Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union (FDAWU) said in a statement on Tuesday (Mar 31).

This is following “months of sustained engagement” with Twelve Cupcakes’ appointed liquidator since last October, noted FDAWU general secretary Sankaradass Chami.

Twelve Cupcakes abruptly ceased operations on Oct 30, 2025, a day after it was placed under provisional liquidation.

The chain did not provide FDAWU advance notice of its liquidation, even though it was a unionised company under the FDAWU.

The bakery chain owed over S$1 million to creditors, excluding unpaid salaries owed to 80 former employees.

It was founded by former model Jaime Teo and Singapore radio DJ Daniel Ong in 2011, before being sold to India-based tea manufacturer Dhunseri Group in 2016 for S$2.5 million.

In Tuesday’s statement, Chami noted that all salary payouts to Twelve Cupcakes’ employees are being made under the liquidation process and are subject to adjudication, including the verification of claims and the availability of funds.

The majority of affected union members have already been informed by Twelve Cupcakes’ liquidator – from AAG Corporate Advisory – of the amount payable to them based on verified claims. Remaining members are still in the process of receiving their notice of payment.

“Any further developments will depend on the progress of the liquidation process,” Chami added.

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Since Twelve Cupcakes entered liquidation, Chami said FDAWU has been assisting affected members through sustained engagement and case support.

This is especially on matters relating to unpaid salaries and navigating the liquidation process, which includes helping members understand and complete required documentation; filing proofs of debt with the liquidator; addressing queries on tax and procedural matters, and following up regularly on the progress of payouts.

“Where updates were received from the liquidator, FDAWU proactively explained these developments to members, including advising them on the next steps, so that affected members remained informed throughout the process,” Chami added.

At the same time, the union also supported members by connecting them with employment opportunities across the Labour Movement’s network, including FDAWU’s network of unionised companies and National Trades Union Congress’ Employment and Employability Institute.

More than 400 job vacancies were shared with 70 affected union members from Twelve Cupcakes. The union had also arranged onsite interviews to facilitate direct engagement with prospective employers.

In addition, FDAWU also extended interim financial assistance to members to help them cope with daily expenses during the transition period. This included grocery vouchers, with more than S$9,000 disbursed since November 2025.

Said Chami: “FDAWU will continue to support affected members where possible and keep them informed as the case progresses.”