Online retail giant Amazon has announced that it is closing seven warehouses in Quebec. It has been announced that the closure will take place within two months. About 1,700 permanent workers and about 250 temporary workers will lose their jobs when Amazon closes operations. The closures include two sorting centers, a fulfillment center, and three delivery stations at a facility called AMXL.
Amazon spokeswoman Barbara Agriet dismissed reports that the closures are related to pressure from the province's union. Agrit told the media that this is a way to provide savings to its customers in the long term.
Agrit said that all employees will receive a severance package and transitional benefits, including 14 weeks of paid leave. Seasonal workers will be compensated until the last day of their contract. Amazon said that it will return to a third-party model for deliveries, which Amazon used in the province until 2020.