Atlassian Axes 150 Jobs Amid AI Shift as CEO Defends $75M Jet Purchase

What’s Going on at Atlassian?

Atlassian, the Australian software company behind products like Jira and Confluence, has laid off more than 150 employees as part of a restructuring effort driven by artificial intelligence integration.

• The layoffs were communicated via a pre-recorded video message by co-founder and co-CEO Mike Cannon-Brookes, a move that has sparked widespread backlash for its cold delivery.
• Employees reportedly had to wait 15 minutes after the video to receive email confirmation of their status, only to find themselves locked out of their work devices shortly afterward.
• The roles affected span several departments, with customer support functions heavily impacted due to the implementation of AI tools aimed at streamlining user interactions.
• Atlassian is offering six months of severance pay to those impacted.

The news was reported by multiple media outlets, including Financial Express.

CEO’s Private Jet Purchase Adds Fuel to the Fire

Criticism intensified after revelations that Cannon-Brookes, with an estimated net worth of $13.9 billion, had recently purchased a $75 million Bombardier Global 7500 private jet.

• In a LinkedIn post, the co-founder defended the move, saying it was necessary to be a “present dad” while managing a global company and ensuring his personal security.
• He acknowledged the timing of the layoff and jet news created a difficult ethical perception, but insisted the aircraft was an essential tool, not a luxury.

Next Steps for Atlassian Staff

If you’re fired or let go from Atlassian, understanding your legal rights is crucial.

Non-unionized employees in Canada are entitled to severance pay. This includes individuals working full-time, part-time, or hourly.

The amount you’re owed is based on a variety of factors, including your role, tenure, age, and ability to find similar work.

📺 WATCH: Everything Non-Unionized Employees Need to Know About Severance Pay

Key Severance Facts:

• Compensation: Severance packages, which can be as much as 24 months’ pay, may include salary, bonuses, commissions, and other forms of compensation. Use our firm’s free Severance Pay Calculator to better understand your entitlements.
• Deadlines: You generally have up to 2 years from the date of your termination to review and negotiate severance offers.
• Action steps: Consult an employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP to ensure your severance package is fair and aligns with Canadian employment laws.

Lost Your Job at Atlassian? Contact Us

If you’ve lost your job at Atlassian for any reason, the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can help.

Our employment lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and BC have helped thousands of non-unionized employees get justice and full severance packages.

📞 Call us today at 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.

Disclaimer: The materials above are provided as general information about the rights of non-unionized employees in Canada. It is not specific to any one company and SHOULD NOT be read as suggesting any improper conduct on the part of any specific employer, or a relationship between Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and a specific employer.