General Motors (GM) has offered around 90 staff at its ‘India Science Lab' a shift to other operations at its Bangalore-based Technical Centre.
Though the company maintained that this is not a lay-off, reports suggest that this is part of GM's downsizing of its global research and development (R&D) operations.
“The job of the India Science Lab is being realigned with the tech centre. The 90-odd employees have the option to move to any open position in the Technical Centre if they want to, or leave,” Mr P. Balendran, Vice-President at GM India told
Employees of the India Science Lab, which carries out mathematical modelling and software work, may be absorbed in other divisions of the GM Technical Centre. These divisions include a design, powertrain development and engineering centres, apart from a global purchasing office.
The GM Technical Centre employs over 2,000 people, of whom 1,723 are direct employees. The India Science Lab, or the R&D centre, is headed by Dr Prakash who is on an extension — he retired two years ago.
Restructuring
“The realignment and restructuring is being carried out as part of a continuous process that enables the organisation to be an efficient member of GM's global engineering work force. It will enable the organisation better focus on commercialising customer focus innovation in a more efficient and cost effective manner,” Mr Balendran said.
Reports said that GM US is also expected to cut about 100 positions from the 400-member strong R&D team at its Warren Technical Centre in Michigan.
Employees at the Michigan facility were informed last week that 30 days will be given for applying for other jobs within the organisation. Layoffs are expected from early June and salaried workers are expected to receive separation packages.