The delivery application Keeta, an international subsidiary of the Chinese company Meituan, has announced a delay in its launch in Rio de Janeiro, coinciding with substantial layoffs of its local team. While the company has not disclosed the exact number of layoffs, reports from employees and associates suggest around 200 workers have been dismissed. This announcement has sparked outrage among the affected employees, who had invested their efforts into the launch of the platform.

A viral video captured the moment the employees received the news, showcasing their frustration and disappointment. During a meeting captured in the video, an employee expressed her disillusionment, revealing she had left a previous job to join Keeta based on promises made during the recruitment process. This outburst underscores the perceived betrayal felt by workers who had hoped for stability and success with the new platform, and now face sudden job loss instead.

Keeta has issued a statement regarding its decision, though specific details on the reasons behind the postponement and layoffs were not extensively discussed. The development raises questions about the operational and strategic challenges faced by international companies attempting to penetrate the Brazilian market, particularly in the highly competitive delivery sector. The reactions from employees could also influence public perception of the company as it seeks to establish its presence in a challenging environment.