Twilio Layoffs: 5% of workforce cut as part of restructuring

Software provider Twilio has eliminated approximately five per cent of its workforce, or 300 jobs, as it restructures certain parts of its business.

The reduction marks the company’s third mass layoff in a little more than a year.

Twilio trimmed its headcount by approximately 17 per cent in February — after slashing around 11 per cent of its staff in September 2022.

What is happening at Twilio?

In a letter to employees that was attached to a regulatory filing, Twilio CEO Jeff Lawson said the company is cutting positions in its “Segment” and “Flex” units.

“The decision to eliminate these roles was a hard one, but we’re confident it’s in the best interest of our customers and the long-term health of our business,” Lawson said in the Dec. 4 letter.

“Reducing our Segment and Flex GTM teams will also mean impacts to some supporting functions, primarily Marketing and Finance.”

Lawson added that Twilio is also removing its “Programmable Video” product from its portfolio.

“[This] will also allow Communications to more effectively focus on our pillar products — Messaging, Voice, and Email. [Impacted staff] are aware of this decision, and we’ll continue working closely with them on transition plans.”

Twilio layoffs in Canada

It remains unclear how many Canadian employees at Twilio are affected by the latest round of job cuts.

According to the company’s LinkedIn page, it has more than 80 workers in the country.

Severance offers for Twilio employees

While Lawson said Twilio will provide affected staff with severance packages that include “at least 12 weeks of base pay”, Canadian workers who are let go could be owed as much as 24 months’ pay.

In Canada, non-unionized employees at the software provider are entitled to a full severance pay when they lose their jobs due to downsizing, corporate restructuring, or the closure of the business.

This includes non-unionized individuals working full-time, part-time, or hourly in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C.

The amount of compensation you are entitled to is calculated using a variety of factors, including age, length of service, position at the company, and your ability to find new work.

WATCH: Employment lawyer Lior Samfiru explains what rights employees have if they are being fired or let go on an episode of the Employment Law Show.

Before you accept any severance offer, have an experienced employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP review it and your employment contract.

If you don’t receive the correct amount, which happens often, you have been wrongfully dismissed and should take legal action.

Non-unionized employees in Canada have up to two years from the date of their dismissal to pursue proper severance pay.

LEARN MORE
• Severance for provincially regulated employees
• Rights to severance for tech sector staff
• Severance packages during mass layoffs

Major tech layoffs continue

Twilio isn’t the only major tech company that has announced sweeping layoffs in 2023.

Other big names, including Spotify, Unity, Broadcom, ByteDance, Amazon, Informatica, Ubisoft, Bungie, Splunk, and Nokia, have significantly scaled back their staffing levels as they continue to navigate challenging economic conditions.

SEE ALSO
• Firm launches $130M class action against Shopify for breach of contract
• Report: Canadian video software company Vidyard slashes 20% of staff
• Where are layoffs happening in Canada?

Lost your job? Talk to an employment lawyer

If you have been fired or let go for any reason, contact the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Our lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C. have successfully represented tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals.

In addition to severance package negotiations, we can assist you on a broad range of employment matters, including:

If you are a non-unionized employee who needs help with a workplace issue, contact us or call 1-855-821-5900 to get the advice you need and the compensation you deserve.