OpenText slashing 1,600 jobs in 2025, part of ‘business optimization plan’

What’s going on at OpenText?

OpenText is reportedly slashing 1,600 jobs. The move is an expansion of the Waterloo-based tech company’s “business optimization plan” laid out in July 2024.

According to BetaKit, CEO Mark Barrenechea told staff in April that embracing artificial intelligence (AI) is the “number one priority and baseline expectation.”

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP has been contacted by multiple OpenText employees — claiming they’ve been let go.

Our experienced employment lawyers are following up with affected staff to better understand the situation.

According to LinkedIn, OpenText employs more than 3,100 people in the country.

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Next steps for OpenText employees

If you’re fired or let go from OpenText, 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.

Major employers slashing staff

Reports of a workforce reduction at OpenText come amid a flurry of job cuts in 2025.

Other big names, including Infosys, Google, Alstom, Microsoft, S&S Activewear, Siemens, HPE, Wayfair, MLSE, Disney, Autodesk, JPMorgan, Vale, Canada Post, Workday, ADM, Amazon, and Shopify, have pulled out the axe as they navigate challenging economic conditions.

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 OpenText, the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can help.

Our lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C. 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.