Grab’s Head of People: “We know it’s a difficult time”

Following its acquisition of rival ride-hailing app Uber, Grab has issued a statement saying it will absorb all 500-odd full-time Uber employees across Southeast Asia.

This also comes after 100 Singapore Uber employees were reportedly given “only hours” to pack all their belongings and leave the office the same day the sale was publicised. A video of staff vacating the office in a hurry was posted on Twitter shortly after the announcement.

Grab has since explained that Uber’s employees will be placed on gardening leave until job arrangements have been made.

Grab’s Head of People Ong Chin Yin also posted a video on LinkedIn on Monday night (March 26) in response to the video, saying: “We know it’s a difficult, confusing and emotional time.”

She adds that the company has been “wanting to reach out”, and will do so once it gets hold of the email addresses of everyone affected.

“We really would like to be able to speak and have conversations with all of you,” adding that Grab has planned town hall meetings at 4.30PM Singapore time on Tuesday (March 27) at different locations across Southeast Asia.

Ong also says Grab is “committed to try and find a suitable role for” Uber employees at the company.