News Summary

Amazon has decided to shut down seven distribution centres in Quebec, affecting over 1,900 jobs, which has drawn sharp criticism from Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, François-Philippe Champagne. In a letter to Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, Champagne expressed disappointment and urged reconsideration of the decision, citing the importance of Amazon’s Quebec facilities in the company’s supply chain and their significant contribution to the local economy. The closures follow the unionization of Amazon’s Laval distribution centre, which was the first in North America to do so, sparking speculation that the closures are linked to Amazon’s resistance to unionized labor. Amazon spokesperson Barbara Agrait stated that the decision was made after reviewing Quebec operations and that a return to a third-party delivery model would provide better service and savings. Affected employees are being offered packages including up to 14 weeks’ pay and transitional benefits.