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Exxon Mobil has confirmed nearly 400 job cuts in Texas as part of its recent acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources, a major shale producer.
According to a filing with the Texas Workforce Commission, the layoffs will affect 376 employees in Irving and an additional 18 in Midland.
The move comes as Exxon integrates operations following the $60 billion merger, which positions it as a dominant player in US shale oil production. Despite the layoffs, Exxon emphasized its commitment to retaining Pioneer's talent. A majority of the approximately 1,900 Pioneer employees offered positions with Exxon as part of the merger have accepted their roles, according to the filing.
“Our employment strategy remains unchanged—the success of this merger hinges on retaining the talented workforce of Pioneer Natural Resources,” the company said in a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) letter. The WARN Act requires employers to provide advance notice of significant layoffs in certain circumstances.
Phased job cuts
The job cuts will be phased over the next three years. Exxon plans to release 110 employees by the end of this year, followed by 178 layoffs in 2025. The remaining 100 positions are scheduled to be cut in 2026. The company has not provided specific details about the roles affected or how it plans to support impacted workers during the transition.
The merger, finalized in October 2023, has solidified Exxon’s status as a powerhouse in the Permian Basin, the top oil-producing region in the US. The acquisition is expected to drive growth and increase production efficiency, but workforce restructuring is often an unavoidable consequence of large-scale integrations.
The layoffs come amid broader industry changes as oil and gas companies consolidate to streamline operations and adapt to shifting energy demands. Exxon’s focus on retaining key personnel emphasizes the importance of managing mergers carefully to balance operational needs with employee retention.
Best practise in downsizing
Compliance with labor laws, fair severance packages, and robust HR support are critical when implementing workforce reductions.
Best practice in downsizing measures help protect a company’s reputation but also ensure smoother transitions for employees affected by layoffs. In the case of Exxon’s merger with Pioneer, providing clear communication and resources for displaced workers will help mitigate the challenges associated with job losses.
As Exxon integrates Pioneer’s operations, the oil giant will be closely watched for how it navigates the complexities of workforce management and addresses the concerns of employees, shareholders, and the broader community during a transformative period.
Layoffs at Boeing
Elsewhere, aircraft maker Boeing is issuing layoff notices starting this week to workers impacted by a broader plan by the heavily indebted planemaker to cut 17,000 jobs, or 10% of its global workforce.
US staff receiving the notices this week will stay on Boeing's payroll until January to comply with federal requirements that give workers 60 days' notice prior to ending their employment. News that Boeing would send out the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) in mid-November was widely expected.
