Cisco Layoffs: Your Rights and Severance Pay Explained
Facing a layoff at Cisco? Know your options
Cisco Systems Canada (Cisco) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cisco Systems, an American multinational technology company. Cisco offers a variety of products and services that help businesses bolster their IT and networking capabilities.
Founded in 1984, the networking giant employs a global workforce of more than 101,000 people, according to LinkedIn. The Canadian arm of Cisco is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. The company has offices in major cities, including Montreal, Halifax, Calgary, and Vancouver. According to Cisco’s website, the company specializes in cybersecurity, switches, routers, as well as the Internet of Things (IoT).
Your rights as a non-unionized employee
The tech industry comes with unique dynamics that can affect employees during a layoff. If you’ve been let go from Cisco, it’s critical to review your employment agreement carefully.
We’re here to support your next steps
Losing your job is more than just a financial setback—it’s a major change that can impact your career trajectory and personal confidence.
This guide is here to provide clarity and empower you during this transition.
We’ll outline your severance rights, explain what non-unionized employees are entitled to, and offer actionable steps to help you move forward and protect your future.
WATCH: Key things non-unionized employees should know after a layoff, with employment lawyer Lior Samfiru on the Employment Law Show.
5 steps to take if you’ve been laid off by Cisco
1️⃣ Don’t sign anything immediately: Take your time to review all termination documents carefully. Speak with a lawyer before signing anything to ensure you’re fully informed and protected.
2️⃣ Document everything: Save copies of termination letters, severance offers, and correspondence with your employer for future reference.
3️⃣ Use our Severance Pay Calculator: Estimate what you’re owed with our Severance Pay Calculator. This quick step helps you understand your entitlements and plan your next move.
4️⃣ Get legal advice: Contact an employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP to ensure your severance package reflects your full rights.
5️⃣ Start exploring new opportunities: Update your resume and begin searching for new roles. Proactively seeking work not only boosts your career but also demonstrates your effort to find a new job, which is important in severance claims.
💡 Wrongfully dismissed? Our firm can review your situation and advise you of potential next steps in the event that you were wrongfully dismissed.
Severance pay facts for Cisco employees
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How to calculate
Severance Pay can include up to 24 months’ pay. It’s based on factors like your length of service, age, position, and the current job market conditions. -
Additional factors
Severance can include more than a lump sum. Regular bonuses, commissions, and continued health or dental benefits should be part of your package, especially if they’re critical for ongoing care.
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Time limit
Your employer’s deadline to sign a severance offer isn’t legally binding. Take your time to review it and get legal advice. You have up to two years from your termination date to file a claim. -
Still owed severance
Severance often applies even when employers claim cause, misclassify you as a contractor, end a fixed-term contract early, or make major changes to your job.
Cisco layoffs: Key dates and insights
Cisco has announced several layoffs over recent years due to recessions, downsizing, restructuring, cost-cutting measures, and shifts in operational focus.
Below is a timeline of recent layoffs:
- August 2024: Cisco is reportedly planning to lay off as many as 5,900 employees, marking the company’s second round of mass layoffs in 2024.
- February 2024: Cisco is eliminating approximately five per cent of its total workforce — affecting more than 4,000 jobs.
- December 2022: Cisco is planning to lay off approximately five per cent of its workforce as part of a company-wide restructuring.
- August 2019: Cisco is laying off approximately 488 employees in California. 397 jobs are being eliminated in San Jose and 91 staff members are being let go in Milpitas.
- November 2018: Cisco is cutting around 500 jobs in California as an internal shakeup ripples through its ranks.
- May 2017: Cisco is planning to eliminate approximately 1,100 jobs as part of a company-wide restructuring. The company didn’t disclose how many Canadian employees will be affected by the latest reduction.
- August 2016: Cisco is reportedly laying off around 14,000 employees, or 20 per cent of its global workforce. The reduction comes as the company transitions into a software-centric organization.
- August 2014: Cisco is reportedly planning to eliminate around 6,000 jobs as it restructures its business.
- August 2013: Cisco is laying off 4,000 employees, or five per cent of its global workforce, as part of a company-wide restructuring. The networking giant said the reduction comes as it pursues new growth opportunities.
- July 2012: Cisco is cutting roughly 1,300 jobs, or two per cent of its global workforce. A company spokesperson said the networking giant routinely reviews its business and needs to “align investment based on growth opportunities.”
When layoffs happen, we deliver results
Samfiru Tumarkin LLP specializes in resolving severance matters efficiently, ensuring clients get fair compensation without stepping into a courtroom. Nearly all cases are settled in our clients’ favour early, but 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.
Layoff FAQs
Do employment contracts affect severance?
Yes, an employment contract can affect your severance entitlements if it includes enforceable termination clauses. However, many of these clauses may be invalid for several reasons.
Are temporary layoffs legal?
Temporary layoffs for non-unionized employees are generally not permitted unless specifically allowed by an employment contract. Otherwise, a layoff may be treated as a termination through a constructive dismissal claim.
Am I entitled to severance as a contractor?
If your work closely resembles that of an employee—such as reporting to a manager, using company equipment, or working regular hours—you may qualify for severance even if classified as a contractor.
Should I negotiate my severance package?
To ensure that you receive the amount of compensation that you’re entitled to, let our lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia negotiate on your behalf.
Are severance deadlines legal?
Your employer’s deadline to accept a severance offer isn’t legally binding. You have up to two years from your termination date to file a claim for severance, so it’s important to review your offer carefully and seek legal advice before signing anything. You can also request a deadline extension.
Can unionized employees get severance?
Unionized employees are governed by collective agreements, which outline severance and other rights. By law, only your union can represent you in these matters—even if you feel your union isn’t providing adequate assistance. Unfortunately, our firm can’t represent employees with severance or wrongful dismissal issues.
Why choose Samfiru Tumarkin LLP?
At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, we’ve helped over 50,000 clients secure fair severance packages—recovering millions of dollars for non-unionized employees across Canada.
With extensive experience representing workers in roles at small businesses and large organizations across various industries, our team provides the expertise you need to navigate your layoff effectively.
We specialize in assisting employees in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia—ensuring their rights are fully protected.
In addition to employment law, our firm handles disability claims and personal injury cases.
Get help today!
Contact Samfiru Tumarkin LLP to get the compensation you’re entitled to. Call 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.
Key resources for Cisco employees
- Severance for provincially regulated employees
- Severance pay by company
- Severance packages in mass layoffs
- Termination for cause: Why severance may still be owed
- Wrongful Dismissal: What it is and how to respond
- Employment rights when a business closes
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.
About the Author
Lior Samfiru
Lior Samfiru is a Founding Partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and the Practice Leader of the firm’s Labour & Employment Law Group. Known for his advocacy and success representing both employees and employers, Lior exclusively serves clients in Ontario, where his extensive experience has made him one of Canada’s most sought-after employment lawyers.
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