Uber’s abrupt sale of its Southeast Asian operations to competitor Grab has created a virtual monopoly in the region's ride-sharing market and drawn criticism from regulators, drivers and passengers. With the merger presented as a fait accompli, 500 Uber employees were laid off without notice or any guarantee of employment with Grab. The deal was announced on Sept. 30, but it wasn't until Oct. 1 that the company informed drivers they would be losing their jobs at the end of October.
Uber’s abrupt sale of its Southeast Asian operations to competitor Grab has created a virtual monopoly in the region's ride-sharing market and drawn criticism from regulators, drivers and passengers. With the merger presented as a fait accompli, 500 Uber employees were laid off without notice or any guarantee of employment with Grab. While several countries have since launched antitrust enquiries into the move, Uber appears to have taken the stance that the investigations are solely the responsibility of Grab.