Employment Law

Bayer Layoffs in Canada: August 2025 Update + Severance Rights

A photo of a dozen pills next to a pill bottle lying on its side, potentially a Bayer product.

Bayer’s Restructuring and Layoff Announcements

🚨 Last Updated: August 15, 2025Read our latest Bayer layoff news update →

Since 2023, global life sciences company Bayer has been in the middle of a massive shake-up under CEO Bill Anderson’s Dynamic Shared Ownership (DSO) plan.

The result? More than 12,000 jobs cut worldwide — including thousands in 2025 alone — with big hits to managerial and administrative teams in the United States, Switzerland, and other regions. Even if you work for Bayer in Canada, you may still feel the effects through role changes, department mergers, or reduced opportunities.

Bayer Canada employs more than 1,300 people across its pharmaceuticals, crop science, and consumer health divisions, with a head office in Mississauga, Ontario. While no large-scale layoffs have been officially confirmed here, we know from experience that global restructuring can quietly eliminate Canadian positions — often without employees realizing they have the right to significant severance pay.

Whether you’re handed a termination letter, told your “new role” will be different, or feel pressured to resign, you may be entitled to as much as 24 months’ pay. This guide explains exactly what’s happening at Bayer, your rights as a Canadian employee, and how our team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP has helped people in your position get the compensation they deserve.


Bayer’s Presence in Canada

Bayer Canada has deep roots here, with:

  • A major head office in Mississauga, Ontario
  • Pharmaceuticals: Prescription drugs and specialty health products
  • Crop Science: Agricultural technology, seeds, and pest control solutions
  • Consumer Health: Over-the-counter medicines and personal care items

When global headquarters make changes, the ripple effect often lands in Canadian offices — sometimes through direct layoffs, other times through “restructuring” that changes your job enough to trigger severance rights.


Bayer Layoff History

Here’s a look at how the company’s restructuring has unfolded over the last few years:

Date Layoff Summary Source
Bayer confirms over 12,000 jobs cut globally since 2023 under the DSO plan. Details
Canadian staff at Bayer-owned BlueRock Therapeutics report being let go. Details
2,000 jobs cut in Q1 2025 as part of global restructuring. Details
1,500 global jobs eliminated during major corporate overhaul. Details

WATCH: Bayer Layoff Rights Explained


Severance Pay After a Bayer Layoff

If you’re a non-unionized employee and your job ends at Bayer — whether the company calls it a layoff, restructuring, or termination — you are owed severance pay.

Depending on your role, length of service, age, and the job market, this could be as much as 24 months’ pay. Severance must include:

  • Salary
  • Bonuses and commissions
  • Benefits and pension contributions
  • Stock options or incentive pay
💡 Find Out What You May Be Owed! Try our FREE Severance Pay Calculator →

Constructive Dismissal Risks at Bayer

You don’t have to be handed a pink slip for your employment to legally end. A constructive dismissal in Canada happens when your employer changes your job in a big way without your agreement — leaving you no real choice but to leave.

In a Bayer restructuring, this could mean:

  • Losing managerial duties or direct reports
  • Being moved into a completely different role
  • Seeing a major cut to your pay, bonuses, or benefits
  • Being told you must relocate to another city or province

Even if Bayer calls it a “new opportunity” or “temporary measure,” these changes potentially entitle you to full severance.


How We’ve Helped in Similar Situations

At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, we’ve worked with employees in pharmaceutical, biotech, and life sciences companies — including those going through global restructuring — to make sure they leave with the compensation they deserve.

Our understanding of industry pay structures, bonus plans, and corporate HR tactics means we quickly spot when you’re being offered less than the law says you’re owed.


FAQs About Bayer Layoffs & Severance

👉 Can My Employment Contract Limit My Severance?
Not likely — many contracts include termination clauses that don’t hold up under Canadian law.
👉 Are Temporary Layoffs Allowed?
For non-unionized employees, most temporary layoffs can be treated as terminations with severance owed.
👉 Do Contractors Qualify For Severance?
Yes — especially dependant contractors who work mostly for one company. Employees are often misclassified as independent contractors.
👉 How Long Do I Have to Claim Severance?
You have up to two years from your termination date.
👉 Can I Be Let Go After Maternity or Disability Leave?
You can’t be let go for taking a protected leave of absence — and the termination could be considered discriminatory.

Protect Your Layoff Rights

Your severance package should reflect everything you’re owed. Contact us for a review.

Get Help Now

Proven Results from Samfiru Tumarkin LLP

More than 99% of employment law matters are settled in the first few weeks or during mediation. However, when court is necessary, we have the expertise to deliver results — often with legal fees covered by the employer.

33 Years, a Payout to Sink Your Teeth Into

After decades of loyal service at an Ottawa dental practice, a hygienist refused unfair new terms following a sale. With Samfiru Tumarkin LLP by her side, she secured 24 months’ severance, benefits, and legal costs—proof that dedication deserves justice.

Short Stint, Huge Statement

In Marques v. Delmar International, a high-level executive was shown the door after just eight months—but didn’t leave empty-handed. Thanks to Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, they secured a four-month severance, showing even short-term employees deserve big wins.

Big Win for Short-service Executive

In Perretta v. Rand A Technology Corporation, a sales professional refused to settle for less when her employer tried to tie severance to an unfair release. With Samfiru Tumarkin LLP on her side, she walked away with six months of severance—a bold win.


Lost Your Job at Bayer? Get Legal Help Now

If Bayer fires, lays off, or changes your job, don’t sign anything before talking to an  employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

🛡️ We Know Severance
Our employment lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and BC have helped many non-unionized employees — including those working for Bayer — understand their rights, challenge severance packages, and get what they’re owed.
  • 👥 Over 50,000 clients helped across Canada
  • 💰 Secured millions in severance and settlements
  • ⚖️ No win, no fee — you don’t pay unless we win*
  • 3,000 5-star Google reviews across Canada (4.7 average)
  • 🏆 Recognized as one of Canada’s Best Law Firms by The Globe and Mail

* Conditions apply. Not all cases qualify.

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

⚠️ Unionized?
You must consult your union representative regarding termination, severance pay, and other workplace issues. By law, employment lawyers can’t represent unionized employees with these issues. They’re governed by your collective bargaining agreement.

Get What You're Owed

Connect with Canada's most positively reviewed employment law firm today.

Book a Consultation

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.

Advice You Need. Compensation You Deserve.

Consult with Samfiru Tumarkin LLP. We are one of Canada's most experienced and trusted employment, labour and disability law firms. Take advantage of our years of experience and success in the courtroom and at the negotiating table.

Get help now