Phoenix Labs Layoffs: Canadian jobs cut during May restructuring

What’s happening at Phoenix Labs?

Phoenix Labs has reportedly eliminated dozens of jobs as it restructures its business.

“We are reorganizing Phoenix Labs to focus on our best-in-class live service titles, Dauntless and Fae Farm, and serving their communities,” the Vancouver-based video game developer said in a post on LinkedIn.

“This restructure has not come easily, and truly has been the last resort to ensure [we] can survive, and thrive in the long term.”

Kris Morness, a principal engineer affected by the latest reduction at Phoenix Labs, claimed in a separate post on LinkedIn that approximately 140 to 160 roles are impacted.

The update comes just months after the company scaled back the size of its shared services, IT, and HR teams in December.

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Impact on Canadian staff

Several employees at Phoenix Labs have contacted Samfiru Tumarkin LLP — claiming that they’ve been let go.

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

According to the company’s LinkedIn page, it has more than 100 workers in the country.

Termination agreements for employees at Phoenix Labs

In Canada, non-unionized employees at Phoenix Labs 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 B.C., Alberta, and Ontario.

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 accepting a severance offer, double-check the amount using our firm’s free Severance Pay Calculator. It has helped millions of Canadians determine their entitlements.

In addition to your salary, make sure to factor in any other elements of your compensation (i.e. bonuses, commission, etc.).

If your employer’s offer falls short of what our Severance Pay Calculator says you are owed, it’s very likely that you have been wrongfully dismissed and should contact an experienced employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

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

LEARN MORE
• Severance pay for provincially regulated employees
• Rights to severance for video game sector staff
• Severance packages during mass layoffs

Major tech layoffs continue

The latest round of job cuts at Phoenix Labs comes amid a flurry of tech sector layoffs in 2024.

Big names, including Indeed, Xbox, Google, Tesla, Rivian, SAP Canada, IBM Canada, Netflix, Amazon, Intel, Lightspeed, Dell, Cisco, and Mozilla, have pulled out the axe as they continue to navigate challenging economic conditions.

SEE ALSO
• Bayer slashing 1,500 jobs in major 2024 restructuring
• Whirlpool Layoffs: 1,000 positions axed amid slow home sales
• 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 B.C., Alberta, and Ontario 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.