Online delivery giant Getir to lay off 2,500 employees in nine countries

Click to read the article in Turkish

The Turkey-based delivery company Getir has announced that it will lay off 2,500 employees out of its global workforce of 23,000 people in what is the largest-scale layoff since its foundation.

While assuring that its operations would not be interrupted, the company expressed its regret over the layoffs, noting that they were continuing their operations by downsizing their teams in the markets. The company thanked the affected employees for their contributions.

Getir will withdraw from France, and its operations will slow down in Italy, Spain, and Portugal, AFP reported. The employees facing layoff constitute 11% of Getir's workforce in nine countries, including Turkey, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Founded in İstanbul in 2015, Getir has continued its development with the participation of investment fund manager Sequoia Capital and Silver Lake, based in California, as well as Mubadala, an asset management firm based in the United Arab Emirates.

Similar to other online delivery companies, Getir saw a surge in its growth during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, as demand for restaurant and grocery deliveries soared.

In March 2023, during its latest funding round, Getir was valued at $12 billion.

Growing online delivery companies have faced numerous protests by delivery workers in recent years. Most of these workers operate on a "gig" model with no job security, leading them to organize protests across various locations in Turkey, demanding better working conditions and better pay.

What the workers say

The motor couriers and other employees of Getir generally have a negative evaluation of the company's pay and working conditions, according to the comments on the job-seeking platform "Indeed." Among the 76 comments about the company on the platform, the comment chosen as the most helpful is from an employee who identified as a "motor courier from Gaziosmanpaşa, İstanbul." In their post on August 15, 2023, they rate their experience at Getir with 2 out of 5 stars:

"While working at this company, I made many friends, but the company doesn't support or stand by its depot employees or couriers in any way. None of our requests or demands are fulfilled. We can earn our wages by working long hours, but only if we work on a fixed schedule and have a day off each week. All the burden is on us. Personally, I want to quit now and continue with another company because there is no social life left, I can't go anywhere, and I can't spend time with my family. I can't do anything.

What's the most stressful part of working at this company?

Working conditions and the environment are a bit challenging in both summer and winter. You have to be quick with most orders, even though you're careful, accidents find you, like falling, slipping, or vehicle accidents—it's inevitable. This job is something many people can't handle. I endured those difficulties for three years, but now my earnings don't cover my expenses anymore.

How's the working environment and culture in this company?

The working environment is not that great, as you're always outside in the field, so all the burden is on you. I haven't really seen a "culture" aspect so far.

What does a typical day look like at this company?

Usually, the order volume varies, sometimes it's heavy, sometimes it's light. It's not easy to go up five floors all the time, even if you're young, your body won't be able to handle it after a while. Everyone thinks we ride around on a motorbike every day. (AEK/VK)