Qualcomm Layoffs: Latest Job Cuts And Severance Pay In Canada

Qualcomm plans to cut jobs worldwide following its annual employee reviews, according to a Reuters report published on October 20, 2026. CEO Cristiano Amon described the changes as a performance-focused reduction, with affected employees expected to begin receiving notifications in November.

Qualcomm has not disclosed how many positions will be eliminated or whether employees in Canada will be affected. The announcement follows earlier job cuts in the United States, including reductions in California during 2023, 2024 and 2026.

For Canadian employees, being selected for a performance-related layoff doesn’t automatically mean losing severance pay. Non-unionized Qualcomm employees in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia can be entitled to up to 24 months’ compensation, depending on their circumstances.

On This Page:

• 1. Latest Layoff News
• 2. Layoff History
• 3. Canadian Employees
• 4. Performance And Severance
• 5. Severance Pay
• 6. Before You Sign
• 7. Common Questions

Latest Qualcomm Layoffs: October 2026 Announcement

On October 20, 2026, Reuters reported that Qualcomm is planning worldwide layoffs following its annual employee performance reviews.

In an internal memo sent on October 19, CEO Cristiano Amon described the initiative as a performance-focused reduction intended to strengthen the company’s workforce and address ongoing performance concerns.

Notifications are expected to begin in November 2026. Qualcomm has not announced how many employees will lose their jobs.

Amon indicated that business priorities, organizational needs, employee skills and expertise would help determine which positions are affected.

The announcement comes as Qualcomm expands beyond smartphone chips into other markets, including artificial intelligence and data centres.

How Many Qualcomm Employees Are Being Laid Off?

The total has not been disclosed. Qualcomm employed approximately 52,000 people worldwide as of September 2025, but the company has not announced how many positions will be eliminated in the latest round.

The October announcement describes planned reductions. It should not be treated as confirmation that a specific number of employees have already been terminated.

Qualcomm Layoff History: 2023–2026

Qualcomm has made several workforce reductions in recent years. Selected reported announcements and US layoff records include:

The figures above relate primarily to US operations. They do not establish how many Canadian employees were laid off or will be affected by Qualcomm’s latest announcement.

Are Qualcomm Employees In Canada Affected?

Qualcomm has not confirmed how many Canadian employees, if any, will be affected by its October 2026 announcement.

Qualcomm has operations in Canada, including Toronto and Vancouver, employing professionals in engineering, software development, research and other technology roles.

A worldwide layoff announcement doesn’t mean the same number of jobs will be eliminated in every country. Canadian employees are protected by the employment laws that apply to their jobs, not simply Qualcomm’s global severance policies.

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP assists non-unionized employees in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia with severance and termination disputes.

Can Qualcomm Fire Employees For Poor Performance Without Severance?

In most cases, poor performance alone isn’t enough to fire a Canadian employee for cause and deny severance pay.

Qualcomm may decide to end an employee’s employment because it isn’t satisfied with their work. However, that doesn’t automatically mean the employee has committed misconduct serious enough to lose their right to termination compensation.

An employee who receives a low performance rating, misses a target or is placed on a performance improvement plan (PIP) can still be entitled to full severance when dismissed.

What If Qualcomm Says My Termination Is For Cause?

An employer that claims just cause must meet a high legal standard. Ordinary performance problems, a disappointing annual review or a disagreement with management usually aren’t enough.

When an employer relies on ongoing performance concerns, clear expectations, warnings and a meaningful opportunity to improve can be important. If Qualcomm can’t establish just cause, the employee may be entitled to severance.

Read our guides to being fired for poor performance and termination for cause.

How Much Severance Could Qualcomm Employees Receive?

Non-unionized Qualcomm employees in Ontario, Alberta and BC can be entitled to up to 24 months’ severance pay when dismissed. An employer’s first offer doesn’t necessarily reflect the full compensation owed.

There is no automatic formula based on weeks of pay per year of service. Your entitlement depends on factors such as:

• Age: Older employees may have greater difficulty finding comparable work.
• Length of service: Long-serving employees can have substantial severance rights.
• Position: Engineers, technical specialists, software developers, managers and executives may have different entitlements.
• Availability of similar work: Specialized roles can make comparable employment more difficult to find.
• Employment contract: Termination clauses can affect entitlement, but not every clause is enforceable.

Do Qualcomm Stock Options, RSUs And Bonuses Count Toward Severance?

A Qualcomm severance package shouldn’t automatically be calculated using base salary alone. Depending on your employment agreement and incentive plans, the compensation owed can also include bonuses, benefits, stock options, restricted share units (RSUs) and other equity awards.

Even equity scheduled to vest after your last working day may have value as part of your termination compensation. Qualcomm’s employment agreements, equity plans and vesting schedules must be reviewed together.

Don’t assume unvested stock awards disappear simply because the company says your employment has ended. Read our guide to stock options after termination.

What Should Qualcomm Employees Do Before Signing A Severance Package?

Don’t sign a severance agreement or accept a for-cause dismissal without understanding your rights. If you’re told your position is being eliminated, take these steps:

1. Keep your termination documents. Save your termination letter, severance offer and any release you’re asked to sign.
2. Gather your performance records. Keep reviews, warnings, PIPs and relevant correspondence, particularly if Qualcomm cites your performance.
3. Check your total compensation. Collect bonus and equity plans, stock-option agreements, RSU grants and vesting schedules. Check any deadlines for exercising vested options.
4. Have your package reviewed. An employment lawyer can assess whether the company’s stated reason for dismissal affects your rights and determine what compensation you’re owed.

Can You Negotiate More Severance From Qualcomm?

Yes. Qualcomm’s first offer isn’t automatically your full legal entitlement. If your package falls short, an employment lawyer can pursue additional compensation.

Having your offer reviewed doesn’t mean committing to a long court battle. Most severance disputes are resolved quickly through negotiation.

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP helps non-unionized employees in Ontario, Alberta and BC assess severance offers, challenge improper for-cause allegations and pursue compensation they’re owed.

Learn more about our severance package review.

Before you sign, always check first.

Qualcomm Layoffs: Common Questions

How many employees is Qualcomm laying off in 2026?

Qualcomm has not disclosed the number of employees affected by its October 2026 worldwide announcement. Employee notifications are expected to begin in November.

Will Qualcomm lay off employees in Canada?

The October announcement refers to worldwide reductions, but Qualcomm has not confirmed whether Canadian employees will be affected or provided a Canadian job-loss figure.

Can Qualcomm fire me for poor performance without severance?

Poor performance doesn’t automatically amount to just cause for dismissal. If Qualcomm can’t establish legal cause, you may be entitled to full severance pay, even after negative reviews or a PIP.

Can Qualcomm employees receive severance after only a short time?

Yes. Short-service employees can have significant severance rights. Your entitlement isn’t determined by length of service alone.

Do unvested Qualcomm RSUs count toward severance?

They can. Depending on your equity agreements and applicable law, awards that would have vested during your legal notice period may form part of your termination compensation.

What if I’m unionized?

Contact your union about your termination and any deadlines. Unionized employment disputes are handled through the collective agreement and grievance process.

Sources

• Reuters: Qualcomm announces worldwide performance-focused job cuts, October 20, 2026
• TechCrunch: Qualcomm’s September 2024 California layoffs
• SFGATE: Qualcomm’s October 2023 California layoff announcement
• California Employment Development Department: WARN layoff records

Disclaimer: This article summarizes publicly reported information and provides general employment law information, not legal advice. It does not suggest wrongdoing by Qualcomm or determine whether any individual termination is unlawful. Employment rights depend on the employee’s circumstances, contract and applicable law.