Last updated: September 29, 2026
Disney is laying off a few hundred employees in human resources and technology in a new round reported on September 29, 2026. The cuts follow separate rounds in April and July. Disney has not publicly confirmed whether Canadian employees are affected by the September round.
If you work for Disney in Canada and have received a severance offer, you can have it reviewed before signing. We can explain what it covers, whether you may be owed more and what your options are.
Full report: Read our September 2026 Disney layoff report.
Disney Layoffs Timeline
The latest cuts are part of several distinct Disney workforce reductions. Here are the major developments:
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| September 2026 | A few hundred jobs in HR and technology are being cut. Read the September report. |
| July 2026 | Several hundred positions were affected across businesses including ESPN, Pixar and National Geographic. Read the July report. |
| April 2026 | Disney began a separate round expected to eliminate about 1,000 positions across the company. |
| June 2025 | Several hundred roles were cut across film, television and corporate functions. Read the June 2025 report. |
| March 2025 | Disney confirmed job cuts at Walt Disney Animation Studios in Vancouver after changing its approach to long-form streaming projects. |
| 2023 | Disney announced a company-wide plan to eliminate about 7,000 positions. |
These figures describe separate rounds. They should not be read as the number of Disney employees laid off in Canada.
Are Disney Employees In Canada Affected?
Canadian job losses have not been publicly confirmed for the September 2026 round. Disney did confirm layoffs at its Vancouver animation studio in March 2025. If you have personally received notice that your job is ending, you can get advice about your own offer without waiting for a company-wide Canadian count.
If you are unionized, contact your union about the applicable agreement and grievance process. Our employment law team can represent non-unionized employees only.
How Much Severance Could A Disney Employee Receive In Canada?
There is no single amount that every Disney employee in Canada is owed. For a non-unionized employee, the full value of a severance package may depend on their age, length of service, position, compensation, employment contract and the law that applies where they work. Employment-standards minimums or a standard company formula may not be the full amount.
In some cases, severance can reach up to 24 months of compensation. Bonuses, benefits or equity-based pay may also matter. You do not need to calculate all of that yourself: send us the complete offer and we can assess it with you.
What Should I Do If Disney Lays Me Off?
- Get the offer in writing. Keep your termination letter, contract and compensation information that you are entitled to retain.
- Note the response date. Tell us when Disney has asked you to reply.
- Have the package reviewed before signing a release. We can explain the offer and your options in plain language.
Will Getting More Severance Mean A Long Legal Battle?
Usually, the first step is much simpler than that. Having your offer reviewed does not commit you to a lawsuit or a trial. Our team handles severance matters regularly: we can review the documents, explain what you may be owed and discuss the available next steps with you.
Many severance matters are resolved through negotiation early in the claim process, without a trial. Every situation is different, but you do not have to navigate the decision alone.
Disney Layoff FAQs
Is Disney laying off employees in 2026?
Yes. Disney made separate rounds of job cuts in April and July 2026, followed by a new round affecting a few hundred HR and technology roles in September.
Are Disney employees in Canada being laid off?
Disney confirmed Vancouver animation studio layoffs in March 2025. Canadian impact has not been publicly confirmed for the September 2026 round.
Do I have to accept Disney’s first severance offer?
You can have the offer reviewed before deciding whether to accept it. Ask promptly how to respond to any deadline, and do not sign a release until you understand its effect.
Further Reading
Sources
- Reuters — September 29, 2026 HR and technology cuts
- Associated Press — April 2026 job cuts
- Associated Press — July 2026 ESPN layoffs
- San Francisco Chronicle — July 2026 Disney and Pixar cuts
- Daily Hive — March 2025 Vancouver studio cuts
Disclaimer: This page provides general information, not legal advice. It does not state or suggest that Disney or any related company has acted unlawfully or failed to meet its obligations. Your rights depend on your circumstances and the applicable law. Samfiru Tumarkin LLP is independent of Disney.