Hudson’s Bay Layoffs: What 8,000+ Workers Need to Know
Canada’s oldest retailer is shutting its doors for good and over 8,000 workers are being shown the exit. By June 1, Hudson’s Bay will have terminated nearly 89% of its workforce, following the end of its liquidation sale.
The company filed a court motion revealing that 8,347 employees mostly store staff will lose their jobs by June 1. An additional 899 will be gone by mid-June. What started as a fur trading business in the 1600s is now wrapping up its retail chapter with a sweeping wave of terminations.
Will employees receive severance?
According to the company, affected workers will be paid out accrued vacation pay only. No other severance or termination payments are expected from Hudson’s Bay itself.
In place of that, the retailer says it’s seeking relief under the Wage Earner Protection Program Act (WEPPA) a federal program that covers certain unpaid wages, including termination pay, vacation pay, and commissions. But there’s a catch: the maximum WEPPA payout is limited to seven weeks of insurable earnings, which often falls short of what workers are legally entitled to.
Is there any pushback?
Yes, Unifor, the union representing many of Hudson’s Bay’s employees, is pushing back hard. They’ve rallied in Scarborough and Windsor, demanding the company respect its legal obligations to workers. The union is also calling for reforms to federal insolvency laws, saying current WEPPA limits are “inadequate” and fall well below negotiated severance packages.
What happens after June?
By June 15, Hudson’s Bay will retain just 118 employees to manage the final wind-down of its operations: 50 in retail, 58 at the corporate level, and 10 in distribution. The rest will be left navigating unemployment many without proper severance.
In a final wave of asset shedding, Hudson’s Bay sold off its intellectual property including the iconic multi-coloured stripes and coat of arms to Canadian Tire for $30 million. The company also sold off 28 store leases to B.C.-based mall owner Ruby Liu.
How Can Whitten & Lublin Help Hudson’s Bay Employees?
The closure and layoffs at Hudson’s Bay highlight a harsh reality: even well-established companies can suddenly shut down. In a bankruptcy situation, employees often become unsecured creditors, meaning they are behind banks and government claims when it comes to payment and may face delays or risk not getting paid at all. Recovering what you’re owed can be complicated.
The shutdown of a historic retailer like Hudson’s Bay raises many legal and financial complexities for employees. Our team is here to provide the support you need. Contact Whitten & Lublin online or call (416) 640-2667 for expert legal advice.