Verizon Communications, one of America’s telecommunications giants, is preparing for the largest workforce reduction in its history. The news that emerged in November 2025 has shocked employees and industry experts alike. Let’s dive into what’s happening and why it matters.
How Many Employees Will Be Affected?
According to recent reports, Verizon is planning to cut approximately 15,000 jobs, representing about 15% of its U.S. workforce. Some sources suggest this number could reach between 15,000 to 20,000 employees out of the company’s total workforce of around 100,000.
This would mark the largest layoff in Verizon’s history. For comparison, in 2018, the company reduced its workforce by 10,400 employees through a voluntary exit program, and in 2024, approximately 4,800 positions were eliminated.
When Will the Layoffs Happen?
Industry insiders indicate that these layoffs could begin as early as next week. According to online forums and employee discussions, November 20, 2025, could be a significant date when official announcements are made.
Why Is Verizon Cutting Jobs?
Verizon is facing several serious challenges that have led to this decision:
Customer Loss: The company has been losing postpaid phone subscribers for three consecutive quarters. In the third quarter of 2025, there was a net decrease of 7,000 postpaid phone customers, compared to 18,000 net additions during the same period in 2024. Competition from AT&T and T-Mobile has intensified significantly.
New CEO’s Strategy: Dan Schulman, former PayPal boss, became CEO in October 2025 and has made it clear that restructuring is essential. His goal is to create a “simpler, leaner, and scrappier business” that can compete more effectively in today’s market.
Financial Pressure: Verizon has made massive investments in recent years – $52 billion for wireless spectrum, $20 billion to acquire Frontier Communications, and $6 billion for TracFone Wireless. Now, cost management has become crucial to maintain profitability.
Which Departments Will Be Affected?
The cuts will primarily target non-union management ranks, potentially affecting over 20% of this workforce. The 5G Acceleration team, which handles 5G private networks, is expected to see cuts of up to 25%.
Retail operations will also feel the impact. The company plans to convert 180 corporate-owned retail stores into franchised operations, further reducing its direct workforce.
Severance Packages for Employees
Verizon has traditionally offered generous severance packages to departing employees. In previous programs, employees typically received two weeks of pay for each year of service, with a maximum of 35 weeks. Medical, dental, and vision coverage also continued for the duration of the severance period.
During the 2024 layoffs, the company allocated between $1.7 billion to $1.9 billion for severance costs, demonstrating the company’s commitment to supporting affected employees during their transition.
The Broader Industry Picture
Verizon isn’t alone in facing these challenges. The U.S. retail sector is expected to see approximately 15,000 store closures in 2025. The telecommunications industry is experiencing increased competition, and consumers have become more cautious with their spending, hesitant to commit to premium wireless plans.
What’s Next for Verizon?
New CEO Dan Schulman’s focus is on customer retention, but his approach has been controversial. Industry analysts suggest he’ll need to subsidize expensive handsets to keep customers from switching to competitors, and these layoffs are seen as a way to offset those costs.
Employee Morale: Inside the company, morale is reportedly very low. Employees have taken to online forums to share their concerns and stress, demanding better communication from leadership about their futures.
Market Competition: To survive in this competitive landscape, Verizon must balance cost-cutting with maintaining service quality and customer satisfaction. The coming months will reveal whether this strategy succeeds.
Conclusion:
The Verizon layoffs of 2025 represent a significant moment in telecommunications industry history. While the company restructures to achieve financial stability and market competitiveness, thousands of employees and their families face uncertainty about their futures. As official announcements emerge in the coming weeks, the full picture will become clearer.
If you’re a Verizon employee or know someone who is affected, stay in close contact with the HR department and carefully review your severance package options. These are challenging times, but with the right information and support, people can successfully navigate this transition.
The telecommunications industry is evolving rapidly, and Verizon’s dramatic restructuring signals that even industry giants must adapt or risk falling behind. For employees, investors, and customers alike, the coming months will be critical in determining Verizon’s future direction.
