Amazon has reportedly laid off 9,000 employees

As expected, Amazon has announced the largest layoffs in its history and us executing it’s plan to cut 18,000 jobs. This news has caused an uproar in the tech world and many lament this difficult decision taken by the company. The announcement came in two phases – with 10,000 jobs eliminated last week, followed by an additional 9,000 positions this week. This substantial cost-cutting measure aims to optimize the company’s resources and operations.

Employees across various departments, such as Twitch platform and Amazon Hardware division, are feeling the impact of this decision. Amazon’s CEO, Andy Jassy, explained that the move is part of their annual planning process and the layoffs were crucial for “right-sizing” the company. This step will enable them to offer the best possible service to customers while ensuring efficient resource allocation.

In a memo circulated on Monday, Jassy stated that the second phase of job cuts had been completed. He also highlighted Amazon’s booming advertising business – encompassing Amazon Advertising and AWS Advertising Web Services – as one of the most profitable sectors within the company. The restructuring aims to streamline the company’s technology solutions and enhance its overall performance.

The reduction in the workforce will impact multiple departments such as logistics and customer service. And has drawn backlash due to its disproportionate impact on Black and Latino minority employees, which The Seattle Times reported are the lowest-paid in the company.

As Amazon forges ahead with its cost-cutting measures, the full scope of the layoffs’ consequences will become clearer in the coming months.