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FedEx plans to lay off up to 2,000 workers in Europe as it restructures to cut costs
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Memphis Commercial Appeal
FedEx Corp. has announced plans to restructure its European workforce and lay off up to 2,000 employees.
The Memphis-based logistics giant said Wednesday that it will streamline its workforce in Europe as part of ongoing efforts to reduce structural costs. FedEx intends to reduce headcount across FedEx back-office and commercial teams by 1,700 to 2,000, subject to local law and consultation processes, according to a FedEx news release.
The changes in Europe will include eliminating positions and consolidating teams in the impacted back-office and commercial roles. In addition, FedEx said certain activities done across the region will also be consolidated to be located in selected shared activity centers that are in countries that align well with the company’s need and the existing FedEx real estate footprint.
“FedEx is transforming to best match changing market dynamics and meet the needs of our customers,” said Richard W. Smith, chief operating officer, International and CEO, Airline, Federal Express Corp. “Alongside the work we’ve done to optimize our networks, we’re taking necessary actions to streamline many of our functions to reduce structural costs while continuing to deliver outstanding service to our customers. We do not take these decisions lightly, but they are essential to putting FedEx on the right path for the future.”
Even with the workforce reductions, the company stressed the changes will not impact FedEx customers and the service provided to them.
FedEx has more than 500,000 employees around the world, according to company officials. When asked if cuts or restructuring would be done elsewhere, FedEx issued this statement:
“We remain focused on responsible headcount management to best match market dynamics and meet the needs of a transformed FedEx. As such, we have informed our European Works Council about our intentions and must now respect consultation processes and timelines. These changes do not affect FedEx customers and the service they can expect.”
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In line with European and local labor laws, the consultation process will be conducted at the country level with differing timelines across the region. Team members will be updated on any effects as the consultation process permits.
“These are difficult changes for any business, and we have in the front of our minds our affected team members and their families,” said Karen Reddington, president of FedEx Europe. “In line with our culture, we will conduct this process with the maximum support for those affected and in close consultation with our social partners.”
Corey Davis is the Collierville and Germantown reporter with The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at Corey.Davis@commercialappeal.com or 901-293-1610.
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