Tech employees still aren’t in the clear as CEOs continue to announce more waves of layoffs. In recent weeks, Amazon and Meta announced their second phases of layoffs in less than six months. All together, the tech giants have cut nearly 50,000 jobs. An Apple security contractor also plans to let go of more than 600 workers based at facilities statewide, including 416 in Silicon Valley.
Security Industry Specialists Inc., a contractor that provides security guards and related services to Apple announced today its plans to lay off employees who work at client facilities. The company plans to let go of workers on April 28. Apple officially attributed the changes to a switch in contractors, according to reports.
“We are adding several new security vendors who will join our existing vendors in providing security services at our facilities in the US,” Apple told Cupertino Today in a statement. “The majority of security guards impacted by this transition have already accepted positions with the new vendors and we’re working closely with our partners to ensure a seamless transition. The safety and security of our employees and customers is always our top priority, and these changes build on that commitment.”
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy announced in a memo to staff on Monday that an additional 9,000 roles will be eliminated in coming weeks. The company attributes the decision to their goal to lean-out while still investing in the long-term customer experience.
Affected departments include Amazon Web Services, PXT, Advertising, and its live-streaming platform Twitch. Jassy’s employee memo can be read here.
This fluctuating hiring and firing trend is seen industry-wide as tech readjusts to a high-interest rate economy after over-hiring during pandemic days.
Meta, owner of Facebook and Instagram, announced earlier this month its plan to eliminate 10,000 roles, roughly 13% of its workforce, in a second round of layoffs. CEO Mark Zuckerberg also stated around 5,000 of Meta’s current job postings would be closed.
Zuckerberg says the company plans to focus on flattening their organizations, cancelling lower priority projects, and reducing hiring rates. The restructure is expected to affect Meta’s recruiting team immediately, followed by its tech and business groups in late spring. The company also expects to wrap up an analysis of its hybrid return-to-office model this summer. Zuckerburg’s post can be read here.