Corporate Chaos: Glenmark Faces Backlash Over Abrupt Job Cuts
New Delhi: Enraged after the alleged abrupt layoff citing redundancy, hundreds of employees of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals' Consumer Care Division, which markets the popular antifungal dusting powder brand Candid, observed a strike outside Hotel Marigold in Hyderabad. The protest erupted shortly after employees were handed termination letters during what was initially presented as a routine corporate meeting.
As per various media accounts, what started as a routine company gathering quickly turned into a distressing experience for many employees. 150 workers were invited to Hyderabad allegedly under the guise of a corporate meeting, with accommodations and travel expenses provided by the company. On January 17th, during the second day of the event, employees were handed termination letters in the presence of bouncers, with no prior warning.
The affected employees stated that they were coerced into accepting these letters and subsequently evicted from their hotel accommodations. Some workers, blindsided by the sudden layoffs, attempted to protest outside the hotel. However, their demonstrations were met with police intervention, and Glenmark's management allegedly left the premises under police escort.
Videos and images of the agitated workers, visibly upset and demanding justice, quickly surfaced on social media platforms, amplifying the outrage. Many employees expressed their frustration online, highlighting the lack of prior communication and the humiliating presence of bouncers during the dismissals.
Posts like that of Umesh Kanojia on X (formerly Twitter) captured the frustration and betrayal felt by the workers. Other tweets echoed similar sentiments, with employees accusing the company of a lack of transparency and respect. The posts highlighted the alleged unprofessional manner in which the layoffs were conducted, emphasizing the suddenness of the event and the humiliation caused by the presence of security personnel.
The hashtag #GlenmarkLayoffs gained traction, as users criticized the pharmaceutical giant for prioritizing cost-cutting over employee welfare. Social media has since become a rallying platform for affected workers, with calls for corporate accountability and better labor policies dominating the conversation.Meanwhile, Glenmark, as per a recent media report in the Financial Express, responded to the incident through an official statement,
"Glenmark continuously evaluates its global business operations to enhance efficiency and maintain competitiveness in an evolving market. As part of this disciplined approach, with the objective of optimizing resources and ensuring long-term operational sustainability, some roles have become redundant. We are committed to supporting affected colleagues through job transition assistance."
The statement further added, “We are providing necessary support to help our colleagues during this transition. Our employees are a key priority for us, and we are committed to managing this process with utmost care, sensitivity and respect for those impacted. At the same time, we remain focused on our continued efforts to serve patients and uphold our responsibilities within the healthcare community.”
The termination of over 100 employees in a single event has caught the attention of labor unions, government bodies, and human rights organizations. Many have condemned the layoffs and are urging Glenmark to address the grievances of its affected workers. Some have even suggested that the employees explore legal recourse to seek justice and compensation for the abrupt termination, reports Pharma News Press.
