Thread regarding Essilor layoffs

Yes they did.

Did essilor layoff employees due to covid 19

True on the ageism! When Essilor purchased Transitions six years, over 50% of the employees let go were over 40. But they all took the money and ran. No choice.

There were 117 from EOA. Different departments and divisions. The sad part is, several who attended the most recent GMP (General Management Program) the cost of about $10k per person, the so called future leaders of the organization were part of this layoff. Big changes in the next 18 months for Essilor.

I was unfortunately one of the unlucky ones. Here is what I know:

• Yes, there was a severance package given. Mine was pretty generous and included the bonus I would have otherwise received.
• There is an agency; who Essilor hires, that is supposed to work with you in finding a new job.. sharpen the resume, help you grown an online presence (i.e. LinkedIn). They supposedly have access to a "hidden job market" for employers who do not publicly post their openings.
• If you purchased any, you still keep your Boost shares. If you elected to contribute in 2020, they would make a final deduction from the severance package.

wow this worries me.

Any severance package given? What is the rule of thumb?

Speaking of competitors...who are the major competitors to Essilor? I know Hoya is one, but who are the others? My wifes uncle is an ECP and apparently they are becoming really sour on Essilors service and products.

Jump ship while you can. I was not in management but witnessed first hand how bad this company is. Knowledge is threatening to anyone in upper management, in other words don't bother having an opinion or ideas. If you're not a yes man, then you are looked down upon and pretty much shunned. Do as we say or we'll find someone that will. I watched one GM get walked out because he did not agree and defended hourly employees. Another supervisor supported employees as well, so they gave her an impossible ultimatum or be let go. She quit. I was in-line to take over, but wasn't a yes man so was passed over for 3 different positions. I left for a competitor for a leadership position and couldn't be happier. They appreciate knowledge and look out for their employees.

Roughly 145 people were laid off including myself from what I was advised. Several people that just returned from FMLA and or maternity leave were also let go.

Actually there were French nationals impacted. 128 people were laid off. It's true. Lux is running the show. Not sure how much longer the Dallas campus will be viable. Prayers for the people impacted. And for those who have chosen to stay behind be careful. Be very careful.

Question. Any layoffs at Lux in OH? Or was this just Essilor?

In my opinion if you work in Dallas and know that your job type was also used in Luxottica then you are already gone, you just don't know it yet. The new heart of the company is going to be Luxotttica centered and if you are in Dallas your days are numbered. Until you get layed off or find a new job I would not make any long term financial plans while working for Essilor. Don't buy a house, a car, or even a new big screen TV if you count on your job to pay it off. There are no careers at Essilor. Just jobs and temp ones at best even if they tell you otherwise.

Which departments / subsidiaries were affected? Any idea on the total headcount? Any guidance as to when/if the next round will happen?

Funny thing is I was close to quitting last few months but promised the spouse I would just make them fire me instead. I really lucked out. And the even funnier thing is they have no one who does my job that was very much critical to labs operations. Essilor is so stupid. But I thank them for what is essentially the biggest bonus I have ever gotten, all from a company that I had come to loath. Sorry for everyone else though who needed or wanted their jobs. From the rot I have seen within their competitors are going to gain a lot of ground.

Any idea how many were laid off?

Scanning the list of the positions impacted along with the demographics, it's predominantly employees over 50 (in a MUCH larger percentage of the layoff population relative to the age distribution of the entire employee base). On one hand this makes sense as those are generally better paid positions, so there's more "savings". But Essilor in its wisdom does not account for the loss of knowledge and continuity.

Those over 40 got a different severance package then those under 40. You were rushed in and out so that they could "process" everyone and stay on schedule. Minimal opportunity to ask questions, you were given a folder and told to read it. Marched out of the building like a criminal without any of your personal possessions other than car keys.

It should come as no surprise that the layoffs (to the extent that I am aware) is limited to only Americans with no French staff impacted.

The complete and total mismanagement of ELOA is the root cause. The multi-million dollar financial losses had to be made up somewhere. Rather than improve operations, they cut critical staff including lab partners, which will only make the entire ELOA debacle that much worse.

The word is out and if Hoya isn't circling the sinking ship yet, they should be.