Mandi (Munish Sood)
January 17, 2025, will forever be etched in the memories of over 150 employees of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals’ consumer care division as a “Black Day”.
After dedicating more than a decade of their lives to the company, they were abruptly terminated without any prior notice. The shocking layoffs, conducted in a luxury hotel in Hyderabad under the watchful eyes of bouncers and doctors with ambulances kept waiting in case of any untoward incident, created an atmosphere of fear and distress.
For these employees, Glenmark was more than just a workplace — it was their lifeline. Now, they find themselves on the streets, grappling with an uncertain future and mounting financial responsibilities.
Voices of pain, betrayal as many were sole breadwinners
Narayan Das, a dedicated employee for 11 years, shared his anguish: “I achieved the Star Award eight times. Even when I received an offer from Abbott, my bosses convinced me to stay, promising a bright future. I have two cancer patients at home, a son in Class XII and house rent to pay. This sudden termination has left me with no option but to think of suicide.”
Umesh Chandra, who devoted 12 years to Glenmark, expressed his shock: “The company didn’t think for even a moment about the fate of 150 families. January 17, 2025, will forever be a black day in Glenmark’s history.”
Sanjay Kumar echoed the despair of many: “We were called to a meeting without any agenda, only to be told it was our last day. I am the sole breadwinner in my family, and now finding a job seems impossible.”
Sacked employees they were treated like criminals
Sheikh Saqib described the chilling atmosphere during the termination: “There were over 40 bouncers present, along with ambulances and doctors. It felt as if we were being treated like criminals. I am still in shock and don’t understand why this was done.”
Employees like Rajesh Rajput, who worked in Glenmark’s SynerG division, and Anil Kumar, who spent 12 years with the company, too voiced their dismay.
Anil stated, “It is deeply unfortunate that Glenmark let go of so many employees without prior notice. Today, there is mourning in many homes and Glenmark must be held accountable for this tragedy.”
Glenmark cites shift towards direct-to-consumer business model
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals has cited a shift toward a direct-to-consumer business model as the reason for these layoffs. However, employees argue that the company failed to provide adequate notice, counselling or severance, leaving them stranded and vulnerable.
This sudden restructuring not only disrupted the lives of 150 employees but also left their families in financial and emotional turmoil. Many were sole breadwinners, with financial commitments such as loans and medical expenses, now facing an uncertain future.
Support grows for sacked employees
The employees’ stories have resonated deeply on social media, sparking outrage and demands for accountability.
Glenmark’s decision to terminate employees in such an inhumane manner raises critical questions about corporate ethics and the human cost of business decisions.
Meanwhile, support has been growing against Glenmark Pharmaceuticals as several trade unions across the country have joined the cause of the 150 sacked employees.
