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Amazon Announces Layoffs of 16,000 Employees Amid AI Transition

KVIA•Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 11:34 AM•CNN Newsource

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AI Summary

Amazon is set to lay off 16,000 employees, marking its second major round of job cuts in just three months as the company adapts to the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. This decision follows a previous reduction of 14,000 corporate positions announced in October, representing approximately 9% of Amazon's corporate workforce of over 350,000. The layoffs will commence immediately, with affected employees given 90 days to seek new roles within the company, while those not re-hired will receive severance packages. CEO Andy Jassy emphasized the need for agility and innovation in light of AI advancements, suggesting that while some roles may diminish, others will emerge as necessary for future operations.

Key Details: • Layoffs begin immediately with 90 days for employees to find new roles. • Severance packages will be provided for those not re-hired. • Amazon's workforce reduction totals 30,000 employees over recent months. • Focus on strategic hiring in key areas despite overall job cuts.

employment amazon artificial-intelligence layoffs corporate

People & Organizations

AmazonAndy JassyBeth Galetti

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