Samsung Plans Global Workforce Cuts

Samsung is reportedly reducing its global workforce by thousands, particularly in Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand, as part of a broader effort to downsize its international headcount, as per media reports. The layoffs are expected to impact around 10 per cent of employees in these regions, though the exact numbers for each subsidiary may vary. The job cuts extend to other overseas markets and could also affect up to 10 per cent of staff in certain areas, according to the report.

Globally, Samsung employs approximately 2,67,800 people, with around 1,47,000 of them working in overseas subsidiaries. Despite this global restructuring, the South Korean company is not expected to lay off workers in its domestic market.

The report details how Samsung employees in Singapore were called into private meetings with HR and their reporting managers, where they were informed of the layoffs and provided severance package details. This is not the first instance of workforce reduction for the company, as Samsung recently downsized about 10 per cent of its workforce in India and parts of Latin America.

As part of this new effort, Samsung plans to cut less than 10 per cent of its total overseas staff, focusing on reducing management and support roles while attempting to preserve its manufacturing workforce.

Additionally, Samsung has been facing labor disputes in South Korea, where the company’s largest union staged its first-ever strike in May. In India, more than 1,000 workers have disrupted operations and have been protesting near the Chennai factory since September 9, calling for higher wages and union recognition.