Cargill Layoffs: 200 tech jobs cut globally in shift to ‘new digital technology’

What’s happening at Cargill?

Cargill is cutting approximately 200 tech jobs globally. The layoffs include several positions at the company’s Twin Cities headquarters. This reduction is part of Cargill’s strategic shift to build new digital technology and data capabilities.

Official statements and context

Cargill stated, “To deliver for our customers and the future of food and ag, we are building new digital technology and data capabilities. This means eliminating some roles across several locations that no longer support our technology needs or future growth strategy.”

• Recently, Cargill announced the establishment of a new office hub in Atlanta, aiming to hire 400 people for different tech-related roles.
• CEO Brian Sikes emphasized that the Atlanta operation “will be able to harness the immense potential of digital technology to drive our business forward.”
• The company reiterated its commitment to innovation and sustainability in the food system, while also expressing its commitment to support the laid-off employees.
• The layoffs highlight broader trends in the agribusiness sector where companies are increasingly leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and sustainability.

Layoffs in Canada

It remains unclear if any Canadian Cargill employees have been let go. The company has more than 8,000 workers in the country, according to its website.

Your rights

In Canada, non-unionized employees at Cargill are owed full severance pay when they lose their jobs due to downsizing, corporate restructuring, or the closure of the business.

This applies to individuals working in any capacity — full-time, part-time, hourly, or potentially even independent contractors — in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia.

Severance is the compensation provided to non-unionized workers in Canada by their employer when they are terminated without cause, and can be as much as 24 months’ pay, depending on a number of factors.

WATCH: Employment lawyer Lior Samfiru explains why you are still owed severance if you have been downsized on an episode of the Employment Law Show.

Severance offers and deadlines

Before accepting a severance offer, double-check the amount using our firm’s free Severance Pay Calculator. It has helped millions of Canadians determine their entitlements.

In addition to your salary, make sure to factor in any other elements of your compensation (i.e. bonuses, commission, etc.).

If your employer’s offer falls short of what our Severance Pay Calculator says you are owed, it’s very likely that you have been wrongfully dismissed and should contact an experienced employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Non-unionized employees in Canada have up to two years from the date of their dismissal to pursue proper severance pay. An employer’s deadline to sign back a severance offer is not legally enforceable or binding.

LEARN MORE
• Severance pay for provincially regulated employees
• Rights to severance during mass layoffs
• Severance entitlements in a recession

Major layoffs continue

The job cuts at Cargill come amid a flurry of layoffs in 2024.

Big names, including Intuit, UiPath, Dyson, Vancity, Stifel, WillScot of Canada, Netflix, McKinsey & Co, EXL Service, Best Buy, Relic Entertainment, Ubisoft, Intel, Amazon, and Telus, have pulled out the axe as they continue to navigate challenging economic conditions.

SEE ALSO
• Shell to lay off 20% of deals division, part of restructuring
• Walmart Canada cuts jobs amid restructuring, shift to Spark: Reports
• Where are layoffs happening in Canada?

Lost your job? Talk to an employment lawyer

If you have been fired or let go for any reason, contact the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Our lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C. have successfully represented tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals.

In addition to severance package negotiations, we can assist you on a broad range of employment matters, including:

If you are a non-unionized employee who needs help with a workplace issue, contact us or call 1-855-821-5900 to get the advice you need and the compensation you deserve.