January 28, 2026, 1:48 p.mJanuary 28, 2026, 1:48 p.m
The world’s largest online retailer Amazon wants to cut around 16,000 jobs in a second wave of layoffs within three months. The group is reacting to the increasing importance of artificial intelligence in administration.
Amazon is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Image: AP
The company will give its employees in the US 90 days to look for a new position internally, Amazon Vice President Beth Galetti said in a blog post on Wednesday. The company will offer severance pay and other support for the transition to employees who cannot find a new job within the group.
Amazon automates more processes
“We have worked to strengthen our organization by reducing hierarchy levels, increasing personal responsibility and reducing bureaucracy,” said Galetti. The job cuts come just a few months after the company initially announced plans to cut 14,000 jobs.
More and more processes are being automated through AI.Image: AP
Amazon boss Andy Jassy has repeatedly stated that he wants to reduce management levels and reduce bureaucracy. After a wave of hiring during the pandemic, this is becoming increasingly worrying for managers.
Last year, the Amazon boss warned employees that artificial intelligence would lead to a decline in the workforce as Amazon automates more and more processes. As of the end of September 2025, Amazon employed around 1.58 million people worldwide. (sda/awp/dpa)