Amazon

Amazon is closing all Quebec warehouses, laying off 1,700 regular employees and 250 seasonal workers. Operations will cease at seven sites, including a fulfillment center, sorting centers, and delivery stations, within two months.

Spokesperson Barbara Agrait denied unionization at Laval’s DXT4 warehouse influenced the decision, citing a return to Amazon’s third-party delivery model used until 2020. Employees will receive severance packages, job placement support, and up to 14 weeks of pay.

Many employees expressed shock and frustration, claiming the closures were abrupt and union-related. The layoffs leave workers like single mother Bobbie-Jo Vaughan facing uncertain futures.

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Amazon employees are adjusting to a mandatory five-day in-office schedule starting this week, reversing the hybrid model introduced post-COVID. CEO Andy Jassy announced the change in September, citing improved team collaboration and innovation. However, employees like CJ Felli, a systems engineer at Amazon Web Services, are skeptical.

Along with 523 colleagues, Felli co-signed a letter to AWS CEO Matt Garman, criticizing the lack of data supporting the decision and emphasizing remote work’s benefits. Employees argue flexibility boosts happiness and productivity. “Breaking up the monotony helps me,” said Felli. Amazon has not provided detailed evidence to justify the mandate.

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Amazon’s 2024 Canadian report reveals it now employs over 46,000 people across Canada, including 8,000 in technology roles. Vancouver houses 4,500 tech staff, and Toronto employs 3,500 in departments such as AWS, Alexa, and Prime Video. The company has invested $50 billion in Canada since 2010, spanning infrastructure and wages.

Amazon highlights workforce development through programs like AI and machine-learning training, scholarships, and AWS certifications. Partnerships with firms like PwC aim to upskill Canadian workers. The report underscores Amazon’s commitment to competitive pay, benefits, and fostering career growth for Canadians.

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Amazon has introduced its Key In-Garage Delivery service to Prime members in Canada, allowing eligible users with a compatible myQ Smart Garage to receive packages securely inside their garage. Kaushik Mani, Amazon’s Director of Amazon Key, expressed excitement at extending the service to Canadian members after successful implementation in the U.S.

This service aims to enhance security, protect deliveries from weather, and offer convenience. Users must connect their myQ-enabled garage door opener to the myQ app and link it to Amazon Key. Packages can now be delivered inside, even when homeowners are away.

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Amazon CEO Andy Jassy announced that corporate employees must return to the office five days a week starting January 2, 2025, in all but extenuating circumstances. For the past 15 months, Amazon required employees to work in-office at least three days a week, a move Jassy said has strengthened collaboration and company culture.

The policy shift also includes a reduction in middle management, with teams expected to increase the ratio of individual contributors to managers by 15% by the end of Q1 2025. The decision aligns with a broader trend in Canada, where many employers are mandating office returns.

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Amazon announced expansions at its Vancouver and Toronto Tech Hubs, unveiling new features and office spaces for over 8,500 employees. At The Post in Vancouver, Amazon opened a 43,000-square-foot atrium and revealed plans to complete the North Tower by 2026. The Post, with historical significance as Vancouver’s Main Post Office, now hosts more than 4,500 employees.

In Toronto, Amazon introduced Canada’s first in-office Just Walk Out technology store at its YYZ14 location. This AI-powered store allows employees to grab items and leave without waiting in line. Additional office space at YYZ18 is expected to open in 2024.

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Amazon has announced the launch of YYC4, a new fulfillment center in Calgary, spanning nearly three million square feet. This $40 billion investment marks Amazon’s continued growth in Canada. The facility, equipped with advanced robotics technology, will employ over 1,500 workers. YYC4 features innovations such as the RWC4 robotic arm and Kermit trolley to enhance efficiency and safety.

General Manager Sushant Jha highlighted the center’s role in creating new career opportunities and delivering faster services. This expansion brings Amazon’s total operations in Alberta to five fulfillment centers, one sortation center, and five delivery stations.

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In a groundbreaking move, Amazon is set to invest in its first Canadian wind farm, a 495-megawatt capacity project in Vulcan County, Alberta.

Teaming up with Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, this marks Amazon’s fourth renewable energy venture in Canada. The initiative follows the opening of the Travers Solar Project, the largest solar farm in the nation, both powering Amazon’s Alberta operations.

The tech giant, committed to 100% renewable energy by 2030, leads in corporate environmental responsibility. Joining a trend, Amazon follows other big players like RBC, Shopify, Telus, and Ikea in embracing long-term renewable electricity contracts.

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