About 80 Employees to Lose Jobs

Uber, despite recently revising its profit forecast for Q4 2020, continues to downsize its workforce. Since going public in May 2019, the ride-sharing giant has seen several rounds of layoffs, resulting in nearly 1,000 job cuts. The trend will continue with an additional 80 layoffs.

Last Thursday, employees at Uber’s downtown Los Angeles office were caught off guard with news that all roles would be transitioned to a remote customer support office in Manila, Philippines. The LA office will cease operations, leaving approximately 80 employees jobless.

While Uber has refrained from making an official statement, The Los Angeles Times obtained a recording of Ruffin Chevaleau, head of Uber Phoenix’s customer service center, breaking the news to the LA office staff.

Chevaleau informed the employees, “We have decided to close the downtown LA office and transfer the outreach and innovation work to our Manila COE to continue supporting the business growth. I understand this is sudden. Today marks your last day in this office.”

Furthermore, Chevaleau mentioned that affected employees would receive severance packages. Those interested in pursuing other roles within Uber would receive support and relocation assistance if they secure a position.