Criticism mounts against the inactive Legault government from ex-Amazon workers
In January 2025, Amazon's decision to close seven warehouses and delivery services in Quebec left 4,500 workers jobless, with many receiving only 55% of their income through unemployment benefits. Six months later, former employees are still struggling, and their protests against the lack of government aid have intensified.
The Laval warehouse, where a union was formed before the closures, has been a focal point of these demonstrations. Andy Remarais, a laid-off employee, gathered with approximately twenty others in front of the Montreal offices of the Ministry of Employment and Social Solidarity on Tuesday. Remarais, who has been unemployed since the layoff, is one of many workers facing processing delays or outright refusals.
The Montreal Amazon Workers' Committee, Mouvement Action-Chômage, the Laval Amazon Workers' Union (STTAL-CSN), and the Centre des travailleurs et travailleuses immigrants (CTI) have joined Remarais in his call for action. Vicky Tremblay, spokesperson for Mouvement Action-Chômage, stated that many workers are in a precarious situation, six months after the warehouse closures.
The Confederation of National Trade Unions (CSN) has been advocating for more support for the affected workers, emphasizing the need for adequate severance packages and employment assistance. The organizations are demanding full compensation for laid-off employees and the creation of a reclassification assistance committee (CAR).
The minister of employment's office described Amazon's behaviour as unacceptable, yet no specific concrete measures have been implemented to address these requests. The government's response, which includes access to unemployment benefits, has been deemed inadequate by Felix Trudeau, president of STTAL-CSN.
Andrés Fontecilla, Laurier-Dorion Solidarity MP, has denounced the vulnerability of these workers, claiming many have been rehired by subcontractors offering poor working conditions. Fontecilla has called on the government to publicly denounce Amazon and take concrete action.
The situation remains a topic of ongoing advocacy and discussion. The director Denys Arcand has called for an urgent return to discussion in the name of the common good in the era of Trumpism. The Legault government has granted an exemption for the formation of a CAR, arguing that the reclassification support offered by Amazon is similar or superior to that of a CAR.
As the first day of Amazon's Prime Day approached, former Amazon workers continued to protest, raising awareness about their situation and pressuring the government for action. The future for these workers remains uncertain, but their determination to secure fair compensation and support is undeniable.
- The Montreal Amazon Workers' Committee and the Laval Amazon Workers' Union, along with other supportive organizations, are demanding full compensation for the laid-off employees and the creation of a reclassification assistance committee (CAR).
- The Confederation of National Trade Unions (CSN), as an advocate for the affected workers, is urging the government to provide adequate severance packages and employment assistance.
- Recent denouncements by politicians like Andrés Fontecilla, Laurier-Dorion Solidarity MP, have emphasized the vulnerability of these workers, calling for the government to publicly denounce Amazon and take concrete action.
- In the realm of science, workplace-wellness and health-and-self-development experts are analyzing the psychological and professional impact of the layoffs on the former employees, providing insights that could inform career-development policy-and-legislation to protect workers.
- As the general-news media continue to cover the ongoing struggle of these jobless Amazon workers, the topic has sparked discussions in the political arena, inviting politicians to emphasize the need for supportive, well-thought-out policies that protect worker rights and promote job-search assistance.
