(CTV News) Amazon has announced plans to shut down several of its facilities in Quebec over the next two months, affecting 1,700 regular employees and 250 temporary workers. The company will close seven operation sites, including one fulfillment center, two sorting centers, three delivery stations, and one AMXL (extra-large) delivery station co-located with a sorting center.
Amazon spokesperson Barbara Agrait has refuted rumors suggesting that the recent closures are connected to the unionization efforts of 200 workers at the DXT4 warehouse in Laval, Quebec, which took place last spring. Agrait confirmed that the employees impacted by the closures will be provided with compensation packages that include as much as 14 weeks of pay along with transitional benefits like job placement assistance. Additionally, seasonal workers will continue to receive compensation until their contracts conclude.
Workers, like Hardeep Saini, were surprised by the news. “I didn’t expect them to shut down the whole operation,” he said. Felhath Idir, who recently moved to Quebec with his family, expressed concern about how he would support his loved ones after the closure. “It’s bad news. It’s sad. I don’t know what’s happening but I hope they’ll fix the problem.”
Amazon’s decision marks a shift to a third-party model, relying on small local businesses to manage operations. Agrait explained, “We believe it’s going to allow us to provide the same great service to our customers,” a model previously in place in Quebec until 2020.
Caroline Senneville, a representative from CSN (Confédération des syndicats nationaux), which represents Amazon workers in Montreal, criticized the closure. She called the move “outrageous” and emphasized that it would not only affect warehouse workers but also those in delivery roles. Senneville condemned Amazon’s “anti-union” stance, stating that the labor board had already taken action. “We will be there for the workers to ensure their rights are preserved,” she added.
Quebec Premier François Legault called the closure regrettable but stated that, as Amazon is a private company, there is little his government can do. “Amazon is a private company, so why they do that, how they do that… the answer must be asked to Amazon,” Legault said, expressing empathy for the affected families. Quebec’s Employment Minister, Kateri Champagne Jourdain, announced that her ministry is ready to assist displaced workers in securing new job opportunities. Treasury Board President Sonia Lebel also weighed in on the sale, emphasizing the need to focus on supporting businesses based in Quebec.
As Amazon prepares to leave Quebec, both employees and government representatives are closely monitoring the situation for updates on the company’s restructuring efforts.
