Amazon to Slash Over 2,000 Washington State Jobs in Latest Round of Cuts
Amazon is set to permanently cut more than 2,000 jobs across its Washington state operations, according to a state filing, deepening a series of workforce reductions that have rippled through the tech giant's home region.
A Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) filed with Washington state officials shows the company plans to separate 2,198 employees effective April 28, 2026. The layoffs, described as permanent, will affect multiple sites across the state.
The move follows last week's announcement of 16,000 job cuts company-wide, part of a broader corporate reshaping that has unfolded even amid robust financial reports. Analysts note the contrast between strong earnings and repeated layoffs reflects a strategic pivot toward automation and efficiency, a trend seen across the tech sector.
"This isn't just about short-term cost-saving," said industry analyst Marcus Chen. "Amazon is fundamentally re-architecting its operations—reducing physical retail footprints, streamlining corporate layers, and investing heavily in AI and robotics. The human workforce is being recalibrated as a result."
Washington state, home to Amazon's Seattle headquarters, has been hit particularly hard. In recent months, the company has shuttered several Amazon Fresh and Amazon Go stores in the region, eliminating hundreds of roles. Over the past year, nearly 3,000 Amazon employees in the state have already been laid off, not counting additional corporate cuts that may have impacted Washington-based staff.
The latest filing suggests the restructuring is far from over, with planned cuts extending well into 2026—a timeline that gives affected workers notice but also signals a prolonged period of adjustment for the local economy.
Voices from the Community
David Park, a former Amazon logistics manager in Renton: "It's tough to see this keep happening, especially in the company's backyard. Many of us have been through multiple reorgs. The uncertainty is draining, even with advance notice."
Rebecca Torres, small business owner in Bellevue: "Amazon's cuts affect everyone—from the cafes that served their employees to the housing market. When a giant sneezes, the whole region catches a cold. I hope local policymakers are planning support systems."
Leo Grant, software engineer and tech worker advocate: "This is corporate brutality dressed up as 'restructuring.' Record profits, yet they're axing thousands? It's a choice—they're choosing shareholders over people. The 2026 date is just a PR cushion to soften the blow."
Dr. Arlene Mitchell, economist at University of Washington: "The phased timeline allows for retraining and transition, which is responsible. However, it also reflects the scale and complexity of unwinding these roles. The key will be whether new jobs in emerging sectors can absorb this talent."