ConocoPhillips Layoffs: Latest Canadian Job Cuts And Severance Pay

ConocoPhillips confirmed on October 26, 2026, that it’s cutting jobs in Canada, with employees and contractors being notified on October 27. The layoffs affect operations in Alberta and British Columbia, but the oil and gas company hasn’t said how many positions it’s eliminating.

The latest cuts follow a major restructuring announced in 2025, when ConocoPhillips said it planned to reduce its global workforce by 20% to 25%.

If you’ve lost your job at ConocoPhillips, you could be owed up to 24 months’ severance pay. Your first offer may be much less than you’re entitled to, especially if you’ve spent years with the company.

On This Page:

• Latest Layoff News
• Previous Layoffs
• Severance Pay
• Employee Rights
• What To Do Next
• Common Questions

Latest ConocoPhillips Layoffs In Canada: October 2026

On October 26, 2026, Reuters reported that ConocoPhillips was preparing another round of Canadian layoffs.

Employees and contractors were told they would learn whether their jobs were affected on October 27.

According to HRD Canada, the notifications involve three main locations:

• Calgary, Alberta: Office employees were instructed to work from home and wait for virtual meetings.
• Surmont, Alberta: Employees and contractors at the oil sands operation were expected to receive notifications by phone.
• Montney, British Columbia: Workers at the company’s natural gas operations were also expected to be contacted by phone.

ConocoPhillips says it’s reviewing its workforce to operate more efficiently and focus on its long-term business plans.

The company hasn’t revealed how many Canadian jobs are being cut. It also hasn’t provided a breakdown of the layoffs by location.

Previous ConocoPhillips Layoffs

The October 2026 cuts aren’t the first layoffs at ConocoPhillips. The company has been reducing its workforce since announcing a major restructuring in September 2025, following its acquisition of Marathon Oil.

The 20% to 25% figure applies to the company’s global restructuring, not specifically to its Canadian workforce.

How Much Severance Could ConocoPhillips Employees Receive?

Non-unionized ConocoPhillips employees in Alberta and BC could be entitled to up to 24 months’ severance pay when they’re fired or laid off. The amount depends on their age, years of service, position, employment contract and ability to find similar work.

There’s no automatic rule that limits severance to one or two weeks of pay for every year you’ve worked. Someone who has spent 15 or 20 years at ConocoPhillips, for example, could be owed considerably more.

For employees working in the energy sector, several things can make a difference:

• Years of service: Long-serving employees can be owed substantial severance.
• Age: Older workers may have a harder time finding another job.
• Specialized experience: Engineers, geologists, field operators and other energy professionals may have fewer comparable opportunities available.
• Total compensation: Bonuses, benefits, pension contributions and other regular compensation may also be part of what you’re owed.

ConocoPhillips’ first severance offer may be much less than you’re entitled to. Have it reviewed before signing.

What Are Your Rights If ConocoPhillips Lays You Off?

Just because ConocoPhillips is restructuring doesn’t mean employees lose their right to severance. Even when a company has a legitimate reason to eliminate jobs, it still has to provide the compensation employees are owed.

What If You’re Called A Contractor?

ConocoPhillips says contractors are also affected by the latest cuts.

If you’ve been working for the company as a contractor, don’t automatically assume you’re owed nothing. Some workers are treated as independent contractors even though their working relationship is closer to that of an employee.

Depending on your situation, you may still have a claim for compensation. If you work through another company, your rights may be against that employer instead.

Find out more about independent contractor rights.

What If ConocoPhillips Offers You Another Position?

Some employees may be offered a different role rather than being laid off.

You don’t necessarily have to accept a major reduction in pay, responsibilities or working conditions. Significant changes to your job could amount to constructive dismissal, allowing you to pursue severance.

Before accepting or refusing another position, find out how it could affect your rights.

What If You’re Unionized?

If you’re represented by a union, contact your union representative about your severance rights and any deadlines under your collective agreement.

What Should ConocoPhillips Employees Do Before Signing?

If you’ve lost your job at ConocoPhillips, don’t rush to accept your first severance offer.

1. Keep your paperwork. Save your termination letter, employment contract, severance offer and any release you’re asked to sign.
2. Check your full compensation. Include your salary, bonuses, benefits and other regular compensation.
3. Have your package reviewed. An employment lawyer can determine whether you’re owed more and help you pursue additional compensation.

Getting your package reviewed doesn’t mean committing to a long legal battle. The first step is simply finding out whether the offer is fair and whether you’re owed more.

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP helps non-unionized employees in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario understand their severance offers and pursue the compensation they’re owed. Our employment lawyers can explain your options and negotiate on your behalf. Most severance matters are resolved without going to court.

Learn how our severance package review works.

Before you sign, always check first.

ConocoPhillips Layoffs: Common Questions

How Many Canadian Employees Is ConocoPhillips Laying Off?

ConocoPhillips hasn’t said how many employees and contractors are affected by the October 2026 layoffs.

Where Are The ConocoPhillips Layoffs Happening?

The latest notifications involve employees and contractors in Calgary, at the Surmont oil sands operation in Alberta, and at the Montney operations in British Columbia.

Can ConocoPhillips Employees Get 24 Months’ Severance?

Yes. Eligible non-unionized employees could be entitled to up to 24 months’ pay, depending on their circumstances and employment contract.

Can ConocoPhillips Contractors Get Severance?

Some contractors may have rights to compensation, depending on their working arrangements and contracts. Being called a contractor doesn’t automatically mean you have no rights.

Can You Negotiate A ConocoPhillips Severance Package?

Yes. You don’t have to accept the first offer if you’re owed more. An employment lawyer can review your package and help negotiate additional compensation.

Sources

• Reuters: ConocoPhillips confirms Canadian layoffs, October 26, 2026
• HRD Canada: Canadian layoff notifications, October 27, 2026

Disclaimer: This page summarizes reported ConocoPhillips layoffs and provides general employment law information, not legal advice. It does not suggest wrongdoing by ConocoPhillips or assess any individual severance offer. Your rights depend on your working relationship, contract and applicable law.