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Amazon laid off 660 employees across nine offices in New York City in October, according to state Labor Department data. The affected locations include Amazon's Manhattan West site and the New York Tech Hub in the former Lord & Taylor building. While Amazon has not commented on these specific layoffs, the company is reportedly transitioning to more AI-driven operations.
The layoffs are part of a broader trend within Amazon, where the company is reducing its workforce to streamline operations and embrace artificial intelligence. According to Fortune, Amazon plans to cut around 14,000 corporate jobs as it invests in generative AI technologies. These technologies are expected to take over tasks traditionally handled by middle managers, such as coordination and decision-making.
Despite the significant number of layoffs, Amazon's CEO, Andy Jassy, emphasized that the company's focus is on improving efficiency and reducing bureaucracy. He previously stated that AI tools are helping teams "move faster and make better decisions." Times Now News reports that Jassy has been candid about the company's transformation, acknowledging that fewer people will be needed for certain roles as AI becomes more integrated.
The layoffs in New York City are part of a larger trend across the tech industry, where companies are increasingly relying on automation and AI to cut costs. As reported by Fortune, the U.S. has seen nearly one million job cuts this year, with a significant portion attributed to AI and technological advancements.
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