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While recent headlines have been dominated by mass layoffs in the tech sector, it seems no industry is immune, with redundancies continuing in media, manufacturing and hospitality.
The Associated Press (AP), a cornerstone of global journalism, has announced plans to cut around 8% of its workforce. The layoffs are part of a push to accelerate its transition to a digital-first operation, with an increased focus on visual storytelling through photos, videos, and interactive content.
The cuts will affect both unionized and non-unionized employees, though AP declined to specify exact numbers. In an internal memo, CEO Daisy Veerasingham attributed the decision to shifting customer demands and broader challenges in the news industry, including declining revenues and the loss of major clients.
“The media sector is undergoing a transformation,” Veerasingham said, emphasizing the need to adapt quickly. Union president Vin Cherwoo called the reductions unfortunate but reflective of the wider struggles confronting US news organizations.
Marriott International restructures corporate workforce
Global hotel giant Marriott International is set to eliminate 833 corporate jobs early next year as part of its restructuring effort.
The layoffs, detailed in a Maryland WARN notice, will take effect on January 3, 2025, following a company-wide efficiency review.
Marriott emphasized that the cuts are focused on corporate and regional offices, which means that hotel staff will not be affected. The company is encouraging displaced employees to apply for hundreds of internal job openings, which could reduce the overall impact.
It marks Marriott’s second major workforce reduction in recent years; in 2020, the company laid off 673 workers amid the pandemic downturn. A spokesperson said the job reductions are necessary to reshape operations and maintain competitiveness.
General Motors and Detroit automakers tighten belts
The US auto industry is also feeling the crunch. General Motors (GM) is laying off nearly 1,000 workers globally, including 507 at its tech center in Warren, Michigan. The reductions follow cuts in August and September, when thousands of roles in software and manufacturing were eliminated.
Detroit automakers, including Stellantis, are grappling with the high costs of transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs). GM is aiming to reduce $2-4 billion in EV-related losses next year as it races to compete with Tesla and Chinese automakers. The pressure to streamline operations while maintaining profitability has led to significant workforce reductions across the industry.
The layoffs evidence the economic challenges spreading beyond Silicon Valley. While tech giants have grabbed the headline with a number of high-profile cuts, industries such as media, hospitality, and automotive are also grappling with disruptive transformations and financial pressures. For workers, it means that stability remains elusive, regardless of the sector, and HR departments everywhere will be dealing with the fallout.
