Is Amazon Preparing for Another Major Round of Layoffs?
Amazon employees may soon be facing more uncertainty. Reports indicate that the global e-commerce and technology giant is preparing to announce another significant wave of job cuts, potentially as early as this week. While the company has not yet issued a formal statement, multiple sources suggest that thousands of corporate roles could be affected across key business units.
This development follows a broader workforce reduction strategy that Amazon began implementing in recent years, raising concerns about long-term job security within the organization.
How Many Jobs Could Be Affected This Time?
Earlier reporting revealed that Amazon planned to eliminate approximately 30,000 corporate positions, representing nearly 10% of its white-collar workforce. In October 2025, the company had already laid off roughly 14,000 employees as part of what it described as a restructuring effort.
Current estimates suggest that this next round could involve a similar number of roles. If confirmed, the cumulative impact of these reductions could exceed Amazon’s previous record set in 2022, when approximately 27,000 corporate jobs were cut.
Which Amazon Teams Are Most at Risk?
The anticipated layoffs are expected to affect employees across several major divisions. Reports point to potential job losses within Prime Video, Human Resources & Amazon Web Services (AWS).
While no department has been officially confirmed, the breadth of these units highlights the scale of the company’s ongoing restructuring efforts.
Are These Layoffs Driven by Artificial Intelligence?
When Amazon announced job cuts last fall, many employees and commentators attributed the decision to the company’s increasing reliance on artificial intelligence. However, Amazon’s leadership has pushed back on that narrative.
During a third-quarter earnings call, CEO Andy Jassy stated that the layoffs were primarily driven by financial considerations rather than direct automation through AI. That said, the company continues to invest heavily in AI technologies, which has intensified employee concerns.
How Is Amazon Expanding Its Use of AI?
Amazon has significantly increased its investment in artificial intelligence and automation across its operations. In October, the company announced that Amazon Robotics had deployed more than one million robots throughout its fulfilment network.
The company has emphasized that these technologies are intended to enhance productivity, improve workplace safety, and streamline operations. Amazon has also introduced internal systems such as Blue Jay and Project Eluna, which it says are designed to reduce physically demanding tasks, simplify decision-making, and create new career pathways for employees.
What Should Employees Be Thinking About Now?
While Amazon has yet to confirm the reported layoffs, the pattern of workforce reductions underscores the importance of understanding employment rights and preparing for potential changes. For Canadian employees working for multinational employers, navigating terminations, severance entitlements, and restructuring decisions can be complex.
As companies continue to evolve alongside emerging technologies, employees are increasingly forced to confront difficult questions about stability, transparency, and fairness in the modern workplace.
Impacted by Amazon’s Layoffs? Know Your Rights
If your role at Amazon was affected by the recent workforce reductions, you may be entitled to more than what’s initially offered. In Ontario, severance depends on factors like your age, length of service, role, and total compensation. Employees impacted by large-scale layoffs are often entitled to significantly more under common law than the minimum in an employer’s package.
At Whitten & Lublin Employment Lawyers, we help employees assess severance offers, identify risks in termination agreements, and negotiate fair compensation. Contact us at (416) 640-2667 or online to understand your options before accepting any offer.
