Employment Law

Microsoft trims several teams, separate from performance-based cuts

A photo of a person looking at multiple computer screens. (Photo: Mohammad Rahmani / Unsplash)

What’s going on at Microsoft?

Microsoft has reportedly reduced the size of its security, experiences and devices, sales, and gaming teams.

A spokesperson for the tech giant wouldn’t specify how many positions have been eliminated — only saying a small number of staff are affected.

The workforce reduction is separate from the performance-based job cuts being conducted by the company.

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Impact on Canadian staff

It remains unclear if Canadian members of Microsoft’s security, experiences and devices, sales, and gaming teams are affected.

According to LinkedIn, the company employs more than 5,700 people in the country.

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Next steps for Microsoft employees

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

Non-unionized employees in Canada’s tech industry are entitled to severance pay based on a variety of factors, including their role, tenure, age, and ability to find similar work.

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.


New year, more job cuts

The latest workforce reduction at Microsoft comes after many major employers scaled back their staffing levels in 2024.

Big names, including RBC, Cargill, Vale, Windsor University, Mohawk College, Sheridan College, Marriott, Bosch, Schaeffler, Rogers, General Motors,  and AMD, pulled out the axe last year.

SEE ALSO
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Lost your job? Contact us

If you’re fired or let go at Microsoft for any reason, 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.

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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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