Her message emphasized that while technological transformation is necessary, "people remain the heart of every great company." Erwin, who rose from customer service representative to the C-suite, acknowledged knowing "how profoundly this will be felt across the V Team."
"To those impacted, from someone who will always bleed Verizon red: Give yourself permission to grieve," she wrote. "A job is identity, relationships, pride. Losing it is personal."
Former executive challenges leadership to Balance technology with humanity
The cuts represent roughly 13 percent of Verizon's 100,000-person workforce and will slash labor costs for nonunion employees by 20 percent. New CEO Dan Schulman, who took the helm just last month after PayPal, is implementing sweeping changes as Verizon hemorrhages customers to rivals AT&T and T-Mobile.
### Verizon's Layoff Storm: Ex-CEO Tami Erwin's Open Letter to 13,000 Employees – "No One Can Take Away the Impact You've Had"
In the cutthroat world of telecom, where innovation races ahead of human stories, Verizon's announcement of laying off 13,000 employees—roughly 13% of its workforce—has sent shockwaves through the industry. The move, unveiled on November 20, 2025, is part of a broader restructuring aimed at slashing nonunion labor costs by 20% and pivoting toward AI, quantum computing, and customer-centric tech. New CEO Dan Schulman framed it as essential for competitiveness, especially after Verizon lost 7,000 consumer postpaid phone lines recently and trails rivals like T-Mobile in 5G rollout. But amid the corporate calculus, one voice rose above the fray: Tami Erwin, Verizon's former CEO of the Business division, who penned a poignant open letter on LinkedIn to the affected "V Team" members.
Erwin, a 35-year Verizon veteran who climbed from customer service rep to C-suite leader before exiting in 2022, didn't mince words. Her letter, titled **"Change Is Hard — But People Remain the Heart of Every Great Company,"** validates the raw pain of sudden job loss while igniting hope for what's next. Posted on November 21, 2025, it has garnered thousands of views, shares, and comments, resonating as a rare beacon of empathy in layoff season.
#### The Full Open Letter: A Call for Grief, Grace, and Growth
Here's the complete text of Erwin's letter, as shared on her LinkedIn profile:
> **Change Is Hard — But People Remain the Heart of Every Great Company**
>
> The news this week — including Thursday’s WSJ report, [Verizon](https://www.linkedin.com/company/verizon?trk=public_post-text) will lay off more than 13,000 employees — has weighed on me deeply. As I reflect on it tonight, on a quiet Friday night, I’m thinking about the people behind the headlines.
>
> After 35 years with the company, from customer service rep to CEO of Verizon Business, I know how profoundly this will be felt across the V Team. Yes, technology is reshaping everything. AGI, quantum computing, robotics, and intelligent networks will redefine how we live, work, and play. The direction is right.
>
> But here’s the truth: Technology doesn’t transform a company. People do. And when change affects people’s livelihoods, leaders must modernize more than systems — they must modernize process, communication, empathy, and accountability. Transformation without humanity isn’t leadership.
>
> To those impacted, from someone who will always bleed Verizon red:
>
> Give yourself permission to grieve. A job is identity, relationships, pride. Losing it is personal. Take time to define what matters next. Your Verizon experience is meaningful and will open doors. See the opportunity ahead. Extraordinary things are happening across industries. There are leaders who build cultures rooted in integrity, respect, and innovation — and they value talent like yours.
>
> Hold your head high. No one can take away the impact you’ve had. Build a framework for your next chapter — and go forth and conquer.
>
> After three and a half decades, my love for Verizon hasn’t faded. I’m forever grateful for the people, the mission, and the privilege of serving alongside the V Team. However, that’s just chapter one. As someone who left Verizon 3 years ago, I can tell you that your next chapter will be equally as fulfilling!
>
> Your story isn’t ending — it’s evolving. And I’m cheering for you, always.
Erwin's words cut deep, acknowledging that "a job is identity, relationships, pride. Losing it is personal" while subtly critiquing leadership for prioritizing tech over "empathy and accountability." It's a masterclass in compassionate communication, urging readers to "give yourself permission to grieve" before pivoting to empowerment: Leverage your skills, seek cultures of "integrity, respect, and innovation," and remember your indelible legacy.
#### The Bigger Picture: Layoffs in Telecom's AI Era
Verizon's cuts aren't isolated. The telecom sector is in flux, with AT&T trimming 4,000 jobs earlier this year and T-Mobile acquiring Sprint's remnants to consolidate power. Verizon's $20 million reskilling fund offers a lifeline—training in AI and digital skills for departing staff—but critics argue it's a band-aid on deeper issues like stagnant innovation and eroding market share. As of November 23, 2025, the layoffs are rolling out, sparing unionized workers but hitting administrative and middle-management roles hardest.
Erwin's letter has amplified calls for humane transitions. On LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter), former colleagues are sharing transition tips: Update your resume with quantifiable Verizon wins, network via alumni groups, and tap into platforms like Indeed or Handshake for tech-adjacent roles. One commenter noted, "Tami's right—our impact echoes. Time to echo louder elsewhere."
#### Lessons for Leaders and Workers Alike
This moment spotlights a timeless truth: In the AI-fueled future, people aren't obsolete—they're the pivot. Erwin's sign-off—"Your story isn’t ending — it’s evolving"—is a rallying cry for the 13,000. For executives watching, it's a reminder: Announce cuts with data, but support with heart. Verizon's story continues, but so do the chapters of those it let go.
If you're navigating a layoff or leading through change, what's one piece of Erwin's advice resonating most? Share below—let's turn pain into progress.
*Disclaimer: This coverage is based on public reports; individual situations vary. For career support, explore resources like LinkedIn Learning or local workforce centers.*
