Amazon is implementing significant workforce reductions, planning to lay off at least 30,000 employees. This number represents nearly 10% of its corporate staff, a move aimed at correcting for perceived overhiring during the pandemic. The company also intends to replace approximately 14,000 roles with generative AI, a decision that has drawn considerable attention and criticism.
According to reports, this decision marks the largest corporate job cuts in Amazon’s history. Beth Galetti, Amazon’s Senior Vice President of People Experience and Technology, stated that the layoffs are intended to reduce “bureaucracy” and allow Amazon to focus on its “biggest bets.” CEO Andy Jassy had previously indicated a workforce reduction due to advancements in generative AI, suggesting a need for fewer employees in certain roles.
The news has ignited a strong backlash online, with many users criticizing Amazon’s actions. Spencer Hakimian, founder of Tolou Capital Management, expressed his dismay, stating, “AI is destroying the economy.” Others echoed this sentiment, with one user writing, “Amazon gutting 30,000 jobs while its CEO gets richer by the minute,” calling it “classic corporate greed.” Another social media user claimed, “The Waltons and Bezos want Americans poor, hungry, and desperate.”
US Senator Bernie Sanders also weighed in, tweeting that Amazon plans to “replace 600,000 workers with robots as Jeff Bezos accelerates his plan to automate warehouses.” He further highlighted that Amazon received a “$16 billion tax break” this year.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How many jobs does Amazon plan to replace with generative AI?
Amazon aims to replace up to 14,000 jobs with generative AI.
Who is the current CEO of Amazon?
Andy Jassy currently serves as the CEO of Amazon.
Why is Amazon laying off as many as 30,000 employees?
Amazon is laying off approximately 30,000 employees to address overhiring that occurred during the pandemic and to streamline operations.
Who is the founder of Amazon?
Jeff Bezos is the founder of Amazon.
