Disney to trim Vancouver animation studio, part of strategy shift

What’s going on at Disney?

Walt Disney Animation Studios is planning to eliminate jobs in Vancouver as it moves away from long-form animation.

A spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter that the entertainment giant is scrapping its Tiana series as well as an unannounced feature-length project for Disney+, the company’s streaming service.

Disney’s Vancouver animation studio opened in 2022 to create long-form programs.

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP is working to determine the exact number of positions being axed.

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Next steps for Disney employees

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

Non-unionized employees in Canada are entitled to severance pay. The amount you’re owed is based on a variety of factors, including your role, tenure, age, and ability to find similar work.

WATCH: Employment lawyer Lior Samfiru delves into severance pay on an episode of the Employment Law Show.

Here’s what you need to know:

• 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 two 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.

Major employers slashing staff

Reports that Disney plans to trim its workforce in Vancouver come amid a flurry of job cuts in 2025.

Other big names, including Rogers, Mohawk College, JPMorgan, Chevron, Vale, Meta, Canada Post, Workday, ADM, Amazon, Shopify, Stripe, BP, Microsoft, Hudson’s Bay, and Wayfair, have pulled out the axe as they navigate challenging economic conditions.

SEE ALSO
• ‘We lost our agility’: Estée Lauder planning to slash up to 7,000 jobs
• Canada’s immigration department slashing workforce by 25%
• Where are layoffs happening in Canada?

Lost your job? Contact us

If you’re fired or let go at Disney for any reason, the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can help.

Our lawyers in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario, have helped tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals resolve their workplace issues.

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.