Layoffs Imminent At Universal

By Dan Cox
Fishbowl LA

It's only about 70 people out of workforce of 2000-plus, but Universal corporate executives Mark Shmuger and David Linde told employees via an email that the force would be reduced. Universal confirmed the layoffs.

Below is the note:



Dear Colleagues

As we strive to meet the challenges presented by the struggling economy, leaders from every department at Universal Pictures have worked hard to identify cost saving measures in many areas of our business. Those measures include scaling back on travel, overtime, consultants, premieres, conferences, newspaper marketing and general administrative costs.

While much has been accomplished to find necessary savings, we regret that we must also reduce headcount by around 3%. No company likes to have to make these kinds of decisions, and certainly we are no exception. We want to assure you that everyone has done their best to keep job cuts to an absolute minimum.

The process of communicating with those individuals whose positions are affected has begun today and will continue for the next few days.

We appreciate the effort from everyone who has participated in this difficult process.

Sincerely,
Marc Shmuger and David Linde

Posted by Dan Cox | 12:23 PM | Studio film