Christie’s Begins Massive Layoffs

by Art Fag City on January 13, 2009 · 3 comments Newswire

Christie's.com Screengrab AFC

Bloomberg news reports Christie’s auction house will begin massive layoffs this week. I spoke to their PR staff this morning about the cutbacks, who sent me their official statement to the press.

Effective January 12, 2009, we have begun a company-wide reorganization review, which includes the possibility of significant staff reductions, not renewing many consultants' contracts and the continuation of other cost reduction initiatives, that will ensure we remain competitive and profitable in 2009. Any staff reductions that might be necessary will be implemented globally in accordance with local regulations and in as considered and timely a manner as is possible.

Naturally this statement leaves out some of the uglier details about their layoffs, such as the company wide email that was sent Monday morning alerting staff to the cut backs followed by   several employees being asked to leave by 10 am that morning.   Though lacking compasion, it’s hard to blame a huge company like that for means in which it executed the cutbacks.   Layoffs are ugly no matter what you do.

More importantly however, I’ve received several tips from employees and friends telling me that entire departments will be cut.  I asked the press department for a statement on which would be closing, though the request was denied.

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