Tens of Thousands of Tech Jobs Lost in 2023
After decades of growth, the technology industry is experiencing a major downturn. This year layoffs in the sector are expected to exceed the tens of thousands of people that lost their jobs in early to mid-2020. Unfortunately, many tech employees are considered at-will and able to be terminated without cause. But knowing your rights as an employee can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve if you are laid off.
At Levin & Nalbandyan, we represent workers who have been wrongfully terminated in Los Angeles. Our experienced legal team can help you understand your rights including whether you are entitled to severance pay if you are laid off from your job. If you were part of the recent tech cuts, contact our office at (213) 232-4848 to schedule a free consultation.
Tech Companies That Have Laid Off Employees
According to The Verge, layoffs in the tech industry have been widespread. With many tech companies projecting a tough year ahead, it is unclear when the sector will recover.
Tech companies that announced layoffs:
- Google: Announced in January 2023 the layoff of 12,000 employees or around 6% of their global workforce.
- Meta: The parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp laid off 11,000 workers in November 2022, around 13% of their total workforce.
- Amazon: Expected to lay off 18,000 employees before the end of the year.
- Microsoft: Projected layoffs by March 2023 are expected to total 10,000 or 5% of their workforce.
In total, the sector lost approximately 84,000 jobs during the first month of the year. It is anticipated that over 450 companies will lay off in excess of 100,000 employees before the end of the first quarter of 2023.
What to Do If You Are Laid Off
If you are laid off by a tech company, you should always make sure that you understand your rights and responsibilities. Review your employment contract to determine if the layoff is in violation of the agreement. It is within your best interest to consult with an attorney if you were laid off despite having signed an employment agreement for a specific period of time.
Furthermore, if you were laid off because of your protected class such as your gender, age, race, or religious affiliation, you might have a successful claim for wrongful termination. However, it is important to know that mass layoffs make this argument more challenging. It is still worth speaking to an attorney to ensure that your rights are protected.
Finally, there are state and federal laws that protect workers. For instance, California employees are protected under the Cal-WARN Act. The Act requires employers who are ordering a “mass layoff, relocation, or termination” to give employees 60 days’ notice before the order can take effect. While not all employers are covered under this provision, many of the large tech companies are.
Laid Off in the Tech Industry? Contact Our Office.
Were you or a loved one laid off from a tech company? Contact our office at (213) 232-4848 to schedule a free consultation. Our lawyers will fight to ensure that your rights are protected. There are no fees unless we win. Call now to get started.
