Employment Law

Microsoft mulling middle manager, non-coder job cuts in May

A photo of a person carrying their belongings in a cardboard box. (Photo: Freepik / Google Images)

What’s going on at Microsoft?

After conducting performance-based job cuts to kick off 2025, Microsoft is reportedly mulling another workforce reduction in May.

Sources told Business Insider that the tech giant is eyeing middle management positions and non-coders this time around, in addition to more “low performers.”

A Microsoft spokesperson declined to comment on plans to scale back certain departments next month.

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Impact on Canadian staff

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP is working to determine if Microsoft is planning to trim its Canadian workforce in May.

According to LinkedIn, the tech giant employs more than 5,500 people in the country.


Next steps for Microsoft employees

If you lose your job at Microsoft, understanding your legal rights is crucial.

Non-unionized employees in Canada’s tech industry 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.

🚨 YOU HAVE RIGHTS! For a broader understanding of your severance rights, visit Microsoft Layoffs: Your Rights and Severance Pay Explained. You can also use our free Pocket Employment Lawyer to get real-time insights.


Major employers slashing staff

Microsoft isn’t the only big name that has cut jobs in 2025.

Other major employers, including S&S Activewear, Siemens, Morgan Stanley, Nissan, HPE, Wayfair, MLSE, Disney, Autodesk, JPMorgan, Vale, Canada Post, Workday, ADM, Amazon, and Shopify, have also pulled out the axe.

SEE ALSO
Estée Lauder reportedly cut all Canadian staff in Hudson’s Bay stores
Canada’s immigration department slashing workforce by 25%
Where are layoffs happening in Canada?


Lost your job? Contact us

If you’ve been fired or let go from Microsoft, the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can help.

Our lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia 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.

⛔  UNIONIZED? You must consult your union representative regarding termination, severance pay, and other workplace issues. These matters are governed by your collective bargaining agreement. By law, employment layers can’t represent unionized employees with these issues.

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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.

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Consult with Samfiru Tumarkin LLP. We are one of Canada's most experienced and trusted employment, labour and disability law firms. Take advantage of our years of experience and success in the courtroom and at the negotiating table.

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