Bid to cut Costs amid COVID-19 Pandemic
One of the world’s top taxi aggregators, Uber has recently announced that it is laying off 600 of its staff in India in a bid to cut costs amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The layoffs come from across driver and rider support as well as other functions, the company said in a statement adding that these reductions are part of its previously announced global job cuts earlier this month. This decision came one week after Uber’s biggest rival in India, Ola announced a layoff of its 1400 staff as its revenue fell by 95 percent. Uber said that it was providing a minimum of 10 weeks of pay to its affected employees and additional medical insurance for the next six months.
Uber cutting Jobs Globally
Uber has let go off 6700 employees globally as the COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected its business. “The impact of COVID-19 and its unpredictable nature of recovery have left Uber IndiaSA with no choice but to reduce the size of its workforce. Around 600 full-time positions across driver and rider support, as well as other functions, are being impacted. These reductions are part of previously announced global job cuts this month,” said Pradeep Parameswaran, President, Uber India and South Asia.
“Today is an incredibly sad day for colleagues leaving the Uber family and all of us at the company. We made the decision now so we can look to the future with confidence. I want to apologize to departing colleagues, and extend my heartfelt thanks to them for their contributions to Uber and the riders and driver partners we serve in India,” he further added. Each of the employees will receive a minimum 10 weeks payout, medical insurance coverage for the next six months, outplacement support, be allowed to retain their laptops, and given the option to join the Uber talent directory.
