(SEATTLE) The CEO of Amazon is speaking for the first time publicly about mass layoffs at the Seattle-based company.
In the memo released yesterday, Andy Jassy writes “I’ve been in this role now for about a year and a half, and without a doubt, this is the most difficult decision we’ve made during that time (and, we’ve had to make some very tough calls over the past couple of years, particularly during the heart of the pandemic).”
Jassy also said the layoffs underway now will continue into next year, writing “We haven’t concluded yet exactly how many other roles will be impacted.”
He never confirmed a number, but others have said upwards of 10- THOUSAND layoffs company-wide.
A software development engineer posted on Linked In “Unfortunately, I was a part of the Amazon layoffs today. My team unfortunately was hit with a 60% layoff.”
Jassy’s memo did confirm the company’s offer of voluntary severance packages for employees not getting layoff notices, but willing to leave.
According to the state’s October unemployment report, Washington has lost 59-HUNDRED tech jobs in a month. For perspective, there are still over 175-THOUSAND tech jobs in the state. During the Great Recession and dot-com bust, the jobs number was a lot closer to 100-THOUSAND.
