Amazon is planning to lay off approximately 10,000 workers who hold corporate and/or technology jobs, which would represent the largest workforce reduction in the company’s history. Reports suggest that the devices, retail and human resources divisions at Amazon are most likely to be impacted by the job cuts. Amazon’s upcoming mass layoffs are the latest following a series of similar moves by other tech giants such as Meta (Facebook’s parent company) and Twitter.

Under Ontario law, a mass layoff occurs when 50 or more employees are terminated within a four-week time period. Employees terminated as a part of a mass layoff are entitled to a greater floor in terms of their minimum severance package than if it were a regular termination (i.e. less than 50 employees let go in a four-week period). In Ontario, employees who are a part of a mass layoff are entitled to a minimum of 8 weeks’ pay if there are 50-199 employees terminated, 12 weeks’ pay if there are 200-499 employees terminated or 16 weeks’ pay if there are 500+ employees terminated. However, these are just the minimum levels of pay the employer must pay, and the terminated employees might be entitled to much more than this.

If you are an employee who has been let go as a part of the upcoming mass layoff from Amazon, we recommend that you seek legal counsel to better understand your right to a fair severance package. We at Whitten & Lublin are happy to provide insight and advice into your specific circumstances. If you are looking for employment lawyers and would like more information about what Whitten & Lublin can do for you, please contact us online or by phone at (416) 640-2667 today.

Author: Nasyr Asmi