Netflix Layoffs in Canada: Employee Rights, Severance Pay, and What You Need to Know

Netflix has experienced several restructuring cycles in recent years, with job cuts that have affected teams linked to Canadian operations.

In October 2024, Deadline reported that Netflix laid off approximately 10 employees across its series and film publicity departments during a reorganization under new publicity leadership (Deadline).

Earlier that same year, in April 2024, Deadline confirmed that Netflix cut 15 roles from its film division as part of a broader restructuring following a leadership change in the studio group .

These were relatively small rounds of layoffs, but they reflect a clear pattern:

• Netflix periodically restructures departments
• Netflix can affect Canadian employees directly or indirectly

This evergreen guide explains the rights and severance entitlements of non-unionized Netflix employees in Canada, no matter when the next layoff occurs.

Who Netflix May Lay Off in Canada

While Netflix does not always share Canadian-specific layoff data, past reductions and organizational changes have impacted roles in:

• Publicity and communications
• Film and content divisions
• Marketing, editorial, and creative roles
• HR, operations, and administrative staff
• Technical, engineering, and production support functions

Given Netflix’s strong ties to Vancouver and Toronto’s production ecosystems, restructuring decisions made in the US often have downstream effects here.

Know Your Rights When Netflix Lays You Off

This section applies to non-unionized Canadian employees.

A Netflix layoff — no matter how they frame the decision — is a termination without cause under Canadian law.

That means Netflix owes you:

• Full severance pay
• Notice or pay in lieu
• All components of compensation required under common law, not just the minimum standards

Your severance package must reflect:

• Salary
• Benefits
• Bonus and incentive pay
• RSUs or equity (often mishandled without legal review)
• Vacation pay
• Any other earned compensation

Most Netflix employees qualify fpr far more severance than the company initially offers.

Severance Packages for Netflix Employees

Your severance entitlement depends on:

• Length of service
• Age
• Position and scope of responsibility
• Availability of comparable jobs in your field

In Canada, Netflix employees can receive up to 24 months of severance pay.

Netflix may present a “standard package” that:

• Covers only ESA minimums
• Excludes RSUs or bonus entitlements
• Sets a short signing deadline
• Provides a lump sum with limited explanation
• Understates the true market value of your compensation

This is why you should always have your severance reviewed.

Potential Issues With Netflix Layoff Notices

Some of the most common problems include:

• Incorrect or missing severance calculations
• Insufficient notice periods
• “Temporary layoff” language (often invalid without a contractual right)
• Unclear treatment of RSUs, bonuses, or benefits
• Short deadlines intended to pressure quick acceptance
• Incomplete compensation breakdowns

Any one of these could indicate that your offer is below your legal entitlements.

Common Red Flags in Netflix Severance Offers

Be cautious if your termination package:

• Includes only a few weeks or months of pay
• Excludes benefits continuation
• Leaves RSUs or equity unaddressed
• Does not clearly outline bonus treatment
• Labels a permanent termination as a “restructuring”
• Comes with a 24–48-hour deadline
• Doesn’t explain how it calculated your severance amount

These are signs that you should speak with an employment lawyer.

Wrongful Dismissal and Netflix Layoffs

A wrongful dismissal occurs when Netflix fails to provide the full severance pay owed under Canadian law.

You may have a claim if:

• Your severance does not reflect your full entitlement
• Your termination clause is unenforceable
• You face pressure to sign quickly
• You lose your job during maternity, parental, disability, or medical leave
• Your role was classified as a “temporary layoff” with no true recall
• You were denied components of pay such as RSUs, bonuses, or benefits

Even small waves of layoffs can involve wrongful dismissal issues.

What to Do After Netflix Lays You Off

1. Don’t sign your severance offer until a lawyer reviews it
2. Gather all documents, including contracts and RSU summaries
3. Use the Severance Pay Calculator for a quick baseline
4. Keep written records of your duties and job expectations
5. Speak to an employment lawyer as soon as possible

Most employees have two years to pursue a claim, but deadlines for signing packages are often artificial.

Frequently Asked Questions About Netflix Layoffs

How much severance can Netflix employees get?

Up to 24 months, depending on age, role, and years of service.

Are Netflix layoffs temporary?

No — they are permanent terminations under Canadian law.

Does Netflix have to include RSUs in severance?

Often yes. Equity compensation is frequently part of severance negotiations.

What happens if Netflix fires me during leave?

This may trigger both wrongful dismissal and human rights damages.

Should I get legal advice?

Yes. Most Netflix offers start below full entitlement.

How Samfiru Tumarkin LLP Can Help With Netflix Layoffs

If Netflix has laid you off — or you believe a restructuring may put your job at risk — speak with an employment lawyer before you sign anything.

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP has helped over 50,000 Canadians secure the compensation they’re owed, and has earned more than 3,000 five-star reviews across Canada.

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.