Amazon, $AMZN, is shutting its operations in Quebec, with 1,800 losing their jobs

Amazon is shutting down all its warehouses in Quebec, leading to hundreds of job losses across the province.

The company announced it will cease operations at seven sites over the next two months, including one fulfillment center, two sorting centers, three delivery stations, and one AMXL (extra large) delivery station co-located with a sorting center.

Barbara Agrait, an Amazon spokesperson, denied that the closures are linked to the unionization of 200 workers last spring at the DXT4 warehouse in Laval, Quebec.

In total, 1,700 permanent employees and 250 temporary or seasonal workers will lose their jobs.

'We were all blindsided'

Bobbie-jo Vaughan, a three-year Amazon employee, told CTV News she was completely caught off guard by the announcement.

“When I arrived at work on Wednesday, I noticed news crews outside the DXT6 warehouse, which wasn’t unusual given the ongoing unionization efforts. But as soon as I saw my coworkers' faces, I knew something was wrong,” Vaughan said.

“No one had any idea. We were blindsided—there was no meeting, no warning. Nothing. They’re saying it’s not about the union, but it’s definitely about the union,” she added, noting the company is due in court over union disputes.

Vaughan, who was promoted just months ago, said she was thrilled to have better pay, hours, and responsibilities.

“Now the rug has been pulled out from under me. What am I supposed to do next?” she said. Vaughan, a single mother supporting a teenage son and a young adult at home, said she was told she’d receive 10 weeks of pay but wasn’t given confirmation about insurance.

'It’s bad news. It’s sad.'

Other employees expressed similar frustrations.

“I heard something was going on in Laval, but I didn’t think they would shut down the entire operation,” said Hardeep Saini, who’s worked for Amazon since November.

“They just told us Amazon decided to close the warehouses in Quebec,” added Felhath Idir, who now faces the challenge of supporting his family, who arrived in the province just a year ago.

Aghiles Hemadi shared his disappointment: “It’s bad news. It’s sad. I don’t want to go on employment insurance—I just hope they fix the problem.”

Transitioning to a third-party model

Amazon says it plans to return to a third-party delivery model in Quebec, relying on small local businesses to handle packages.

“This is something we already had in Quebec until 2020,” said Agrait. “We believe this approach will allow us to continue providing excellent service to our customers.”

As for compensation, Agrait confirmed seasonal workers will be paid until the end of their contracts, and other affected employees will receive packages of up to 14 weeks’ pay, along with transitional benefits such as job placement resources.