Indigo cuts jobs to start 2024, part of strategic plan

Indigo Books & Music Inc. (Indigo) has scaled back its staffing levels as the retailer continues to look for ways to streamline its business.

What’s happening at Indigo?

Indigo spokesperson Melissa Perri told The Canadian Press in an email that the job cuts stem from the company’s strategic plan, which is focused on returning the business to profitability.

“While it is a difficult decision to part ways with valued and talented employees, it is the right decision for our company and all those we serve,” Perri said in the email.

The retailer didn’t disclose how many staff members were let go.

According to Indigo’s website, it employs approximately 5,000 people across Canada.

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Termination agreements for Indigo employees

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

This includes individuals working full-time, part-time, or hourly in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C.

People working “on contract” or as a contractor may also be owed severance pay — given that many employees in Canada are often misclassified as independent contractors.

Severance 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.

Before you accept any severance offer, have an experienced employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP review it and your employment contract.

If you don’t receive the correct amount, which happens often, you have been wrongfully dismissed and should take legal action.

Non-unionized employees in Canada have up to two years from the date of their dismissal to pursue proper severance pay.

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

Major layoffs continue

Indigo isn’t the only major employer to kick off 2024 by reducing their workforce.

Other big names, including Discord, Google, Amazon, Twitch, Unity, and Xerox, have also pulled out the axe as they continue to navigate challenging economic conditions.

SEE ALSO
• Firm launches $130M class action against Shopify for breach of contract
• Dehumidified Air Solutions in Ottawa closing, laying off 80: 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.