What began as an ordinary shift for 80 employees ended with a five-minute call that changed everything. An Indian customer service team working for a US financial firm was allegedly told during their shift that their jobs
were being terminated, leaving employees shocked and worried about what comes next. This comes amid large-scale layoffs by renowned companies like Oracle and Adidas.
An employee at the organisation shared their ordeal on Reddit. In the post titled “Laid off over a Google Meet”, the individual, who claimed to be part of the customer support team working for a US bank, said that they were asked to join a late-evening call on Google Meet where they were informed that the entire Indian customer service team’s jobs had been terminated.
Entire Indian Customer Service Team Was Fired
“I was a part of the customer support team until yesterday for a US Bank. They asked us to work from home yesterday due to operational reasons,” the employee wrote. “I was doing a 6.30 pm shift, and at 9.30 pm they just invited us on a Google Meet and told us the entire Indian Customer service team has been fired!”
The employee further added, “All 80 employees! All gone… 80 families affected just with a 5min call.” The person expressed frustration over the sudden nature of the decision and uncertainty about finding another job, writing, “I feel bad that we work for these corporates who can throw us anytime nd regret that I used to work hard at my job. Also, Idk how will I get a new job! This is petty.”
“Awful Time To Be In Corporate”
The post has since garnered the attention of social media users, with several expressing their sympathy for the affected workers and questioning the manner in which such a large number of employees were informed about their job termination.
“I am sorry for your loss, and sorry for all of us whose livelihoods have depended upon large multinational organisations. 21,000 people were laid off via e-mail from Oracle back in March. Not even a phone call. I worked for a large US Bank for 13 years and was laid off with 999 others on January 14th. (At least I was told over a Zoom call 1-1 with my boss.) It is just an awful time to be in the corporate world right now,” said a user.
Another quipped, “At least you got a meeting about it. One of my jobs. I didn’t get anything, no one would answer the phone, no emails, just your work laptop locked. turned out they cut out all the contractors and didn’t tell a soul.”
“That is just horrible. Corporations are so heartless. Wish all the best in finding a new job,” an individual commented.
When someone asked, “So if the Indian team was laid off, then where did those jobs go? Or were they all replaced with AI? I assume they acquired the customer service jobs from the US, thus having an overseas team.” The employee replied, “Yes, AI! We saw a 30% reduction in call volumes after AI was implemented for calls and email support. It also seems like they are going to a 3rd party to get customer service (reduction in costs too).”
Disclaimer: This article is based on user-generated content. The claims made in the original post have not been independently verified by News18.
