Grab to absorb Uber’s 500 staff in Southeast Asia

Transport Network Company Grab intends to absorb employees of Uber, who may be displaced after the acquisition.

Grab is buying its regional rival, with US-based Uber agreeing to sell its Southeast Asian business.

“We understand it’s been an emotional and trying day for Uber’s employees in Southeast Asia,” Grab said in a statement on Tuesday.

“On the part of Grab, we are committed to try to find roles for over 500 Uber employees. In addition, we will find roles for their contract staff,” the transport network company said.

Uber Technologies has agreed to sell its Southeast Asian business to regional rival Grab, the firms said in a separate statement on Monday.

Grab intends to have conversations with the more than 500 employees of Uber “on how they would fit into Grab.”

“In the meantime, all Uber employees are on paid leave,” it said.

“We have faith that many of Uber’s employees are as committed to improving the lives of people in Southeast Asia as we are. We look forward to welcoming them to the Grab family,” Grab noted.

Grab Philippines and Uber are implementing an operational merger in the country on the heels of the acquisition deal.

According to Grab, there will be a two-week transition period for Uber drivers to migrate to the Grab platform.

In the region, Uber will take a 27.5-percent stake in Grab, and Uber CEO Dara Khrosrowshahi will join Grab’s board. —Ted Cordero/VDS, GMA News