In a move that has sent shockwaves through the corporate world, American telecommunications behemoth Verizon has initiated its most significant workforce reduction to date. The sweeping layoffs are set to impact more than 13,000 roles across the company, marking a profound moment of transition for the telecom giant and its employees.
An Emotional Plea from a Veteran Leader
The human impact of this corporate decision was powerfully articulated by Tami Erwin, the former head of Verizon Business, who spent over three decades with the company before her departure in 2022. Erwin, who remarkably rose from a customer service representative to the CEO of Verizon Business, posted an open letter on LinkedIn that quickly went viral, resonating with professionals globally.
"The news this week has weighed on me deeply. As I reflect on it tonight, on a quiet Friday night, I’m thinking about the people behind the headlines," Erwin wrote, capturing the emotional weight of the situation for the thousands affected.
She directly addressed those receiving pink slips, urging them to acknowledge their feelings. "To those impacted, from someone who will always bleed Verizon red: Give yourself permission to grieve. A job is identity, relationships, pride. Losing it is personal."
The Technology vs. Humanity Paradox
While Verizon has stated, according to a Reuters report, that these job cuts are not directly tied to its pivot to artificial intelligence, Erwin offered her nuanced perspective on technological transformation. She acknowledged the inevitable march of progress, stating, "Yes, AGI, quantum computing, robotics, and intelligent networks will redefine how we live, work, and play. The direction is right."
However, she issued a crucial reminder to leaders navigating this change. "Technology doesn’t transform a company. People do. And when change affects people’s livelihoods, leaders must modernize more than systems — they must modernize process, communication, empathy, and accountability." In a powerful concluding thought on leadership, she asserted, "Transformation without humanity isn’t leadership."
Market Pressures and a Message of Hope
The layoffs will significantly shrink Verizon's non-union workforce, which numbers around 100,000 employees in the United States. This drastic restructuring comes amid mounting market pressures. Verizon, the largest US telecommunications provider by subscriber base, is facing intense competition.
In its latest quarter, the company lost a net 7,000 postpaid phone connections, a stark contrast to analyst expectations of adding 19,000. Meanwhile, rivals AT&T and T-Mobile continue to grow, and cheaper plans from older competitors and new market entries from cable operators are squeezing Verizon's market share.
These changes are being implemented under the leadership of new CEO Dan Schulman, who was appointed just last month. Drawing from her own experience of leaving Verizon three years ago and now serving as a board director and advisor to Silicon Valley startups, Erwin ended her letter on a hopeful note.
"Your story isn’t ending — it’s evolving. And I’m cheering for you, always," she wrote, advising the laid-off staff to hold their heads high. "No one can take away the impact you’ve had. Build a framework for your next chapter — and go forth and conquer."
