ai
WiseTech Staff Await Job Cut Decisions Three Months After AI-Driven Layoff Announcement
The logistics software company announced in late February that it would cut 2,000 positions, nearly 30 percent of its workforce, citing advances in artificial intelligence. Staff in product development and customer service face reductions of up to 50 percent, but many remain uncertain about their roles.
theconversation.comAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
WiseTech announced in late February that it would lay off almost 30 percent of its workforce across 40 countries, with 2,000 of its 7,000 jobs set to go over the next 18 months. The company cited advances in artificial intelligence as a key factor. Staff have been waiting almost three months to learn if they are among those affected.
Product and development teams as well as customer service teams are expected to be reduced by up to 50 percent. The company has told investors that the era of manually writing code as the core act of engineering is over. A spokesperson said in April that the process was being conducted in a structured and phased manner because it involved real organisational transformation.
Workers have described the wait as stressful. One Sydney employee said he was working under serious stress and uncertainty while being told to keep delivering as usual and help roll out the artificial intelligence tools that could replace some roles.
The employee added that he checks his email every morning while hearing public commentary that the era of manually writing code is over. A petition launched this week on the union-backed platform Megaphone calls on the company to treat employees fairly and transparently during the restructure.
It seeks negotiation of fair redundancy packages and safe ways for employees to raise concerns. The petition had gathered more than 300 signatures, with signatories describing the drawn-out process as ridiculous and noting they had not heard of a company announcing redundancies while keeping employees in limbo for months.
The company's founder told investors on Tuesday that an AI agent could learn a human’s job in just 15 minutes and perform as well in two to three hours. The founder also unveiled an AI agent credo written by an artificial intelligence system. The company has reframed itself as an AI-led business and expects further efficiency gains over time.
