Walmart planning to slash 1,500 corporate jobs following Trump trade spat

What’s going on at Walmart?

Walmart is planning to eliminate approximately 1,500 jobs as part of a restructuring push to simplify its operations.

According to a memo to staff seen by Reuters, the workforce reduction will affect the retail giant’s global technology operations, e-commerce fulfillment, and Walmart Connect.

“To accelerate our progress delivering the experiences that will define the future of retail, we must sharpen our focus,” the memo reads.

The update comes just days after U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the company for planning to raise prices on certain products at the end of May due to the ongoing trade war.

SEE ALSO
• Walmart restructuring corporate workforce, Canadians reportedly affected
• TD Bank cuts 2,000 jobs amid restructuring push
• Microsoft eliminating 6,000 roles, part of 2025 restructuring

Impact on Canadian staff

While Walmart’s latest workforce reduction is reportedly focused on U.S. staff, it could affect employees north of the border.

According to LinkedIn, the company has more than 18,300 workers in Canada.

Next steps for Walmart employees

If you’re fired or let go from Walmart, understanding your legal rights is crucial.

Non-unionized employees in Canada 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 looming workforce reduction at Walmart comes amid a flurry of job cuts in 2025.

Other big names, including Chegg, GroupM, OpenText, Meta, CrowdStrike, Expedia Group, Morningstar, Cenovus Energy, Intel, Infosys, Google, Alstom, Siemens, HPE, and Wayfair, have also pulled out the axe.

SEE ALSO
• Rennie cuts 25% of staff amid real estate downturn
• 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 Walmart, 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.