Shopify lays off staff in switch to remote work

Shopify is issuing layoffs to employees as a result of the Canadian e-commerce and tech behemoth’s shift to remote work.

Anonymous sources told BetaKit that 30 to 50 employees have been fired. Positions affected include office management and technical maintenance.

A Shopify spokesperson confirmed the terminations, but did not note the exact numbers or departments impacted.

“We recently made changes to our team that have impacted a small number of employees,” the spokesperson told BetaKit.

In a recent financial call CEO Amy Shapero said the company was “exiting” office locations in some areas, though specific regions were not specified.

How does this impact Canadian employees?

If you’ve been laid off or are facing termination, here’s what you should know:

• You Are Likely Owed Severance: Employees at Shopify are entitled to full severance pay under Canadian employment law.
• What Severance Includes: Severance packages can cover salary, bonuses, commissions, benefits, and more.
• Rights Don’t Change: Even in times of corporate restructuring, your rights as an employee remain protected.

For a detailed overview of Shopify’s layoff history and severance entitlements, visit our Shopify Layoffs: Severance Pay for Employees guide.

Key severance facts for Shopify employees

If you’ve lost your job due to the closure, here’s what you need to know about severance in Canada:

• Severance Pay: Can be up to 24 months’ pay, depending on your role, age, length of service, and ability to find similar work.
• Deadlines: You have up to two years from your termination date to pursue a claim for severance.
• Misclassified Employees: Contractors may also be eligible for severance if misclassified as independent contractors.

Use our Severance Pay Calculator to estimate what you’re owed.

Steps to take if you’ve been laid off

1. Don’t Sign Anything Yet: Before accepting any severance offer, have it reviewed by an employment lawyer to ensure it’s fair.
2. Understand Your Rights: Learn about severance pay and employment standards through our Shopify Layoffs Guide.
3. Contact Us for Help: Book a consultation with our team for a detailed review of your severance package and employment contract.

Talk to an employment lawyer

If you’ve been affected by layoffs at Shopify, it’s critical to understand your rights and secure the compensation you’re owed. Contact us today for expert legal advice and a free consultation.

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

Call 1-855-821-5900 or complete a quick form to get started.