Yazılar

eBay Cuts Workforce by 6%

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eBay has announced plans to reduce its global workforce by approximately 6% as part of a broader effort to streamline operations and realign resources.

The move will affect around 800 roles and is aimed at improving efficiency while supporting the company’s evolving strategic direction. Leadership indicated that restructuring is intended to better position the business for long-term priorities.

The layoffs follow recent investments in growth areas, including secondhand fashion platforms that appeal to younger consumers.

This marks the third workforce reduction since 2023, reflecting continued adjustments in response to shifting consumer behavior and operational needs.

The decision highlights ongoing transformation across the e-commerce sector as companies adapt to changing market dynamics.

Accenture Tops Revenue Estimates, Launches $865 Million Restructuring Amid AI Push

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Accenture reported stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter revenue on Thursday and announced a $865 million restructuring program to better align its workforce and operations with rising demand for digital and AI services.

The restructuring, set to run over six months, includes severance costs and selective divestitures, with savings to be reinvested into staff training and operational efficiency. The company recorded $615 million in charges in the fourth quarter and expects another $250 million in the November quarter.

Analysts said the plan underscores both the challenges and opportunities of the AI transition. “Accenture has a strong reskilling operation internally,” said CFRA analyst Brooks Idlet, noting the company’s focus on shifting resources toward higher-demand areas.

The Dublin-based consulting giant emphasized that it will continue hiring while phasing out roles tied to outdated skills. Its new talent strategy includes upskilling employees and using AI to improve productivity.

Accenture also faces challenges from U.S. policy shifts. President Donald Trump this month announced a $100,000 one-time fee for H-1B visas, a move that could increase labor costs for IT and consulting firms. Accenture had approvals for 1,568 H-1B beneficiaries in the first half of the year, placing it among the top 25 U.S. employers in the program. However, CEO Julie Sweet said the impact will be limited since only about 5% of its U.S. workforce is on such visas.

Other headwinds included delays and cancellations in U.S. federal contracts, which made up 8% of revenue in 2024 and trimmed growth this year by about 20 basis points.

Still, demand remains solid. Accenture booked $21.3 billion in new contracts in the quarter, a key indicator of future revenue. The company posted $17.6 billion in revenue, beating analyst estimates of $17.36 billion.

Looking ahead, Accenture forecasts full-year 2026 revenue growth of 2% to 5%, slightly below Wall Street’s expectation of 5.3%, according to LSEG data.

Samsung Electronics Union Approves 5.1% Wage Increase

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Samsung Electronics’ main union in South Korea has approved a 5.1% wage increase for 2024, finalizing a deal reached last month between the company and the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU). The agreement, which required ratification by union members, also includes additional benefits such as company product purchase points and 30 Samsung Electronics shares per employee.

The NSEU, representing approximately 36,000 members—around 30% of Samsung’s South Korean workforce—has previously engaged in strikes to demand better pay and working conditions. However, Samsung maintained that production remained unaffected during the disputes.

This resolution comes as Samsung Electronics faces intensified competition in the semiconductor market, particularly in AI-related memory chip production. The deal helps stabilize labor relations at a crucial time for the world’s largest memory chipmaker as it seeks to strengthen its position in the industry.