Amazon to cut 16,000 jobs as AI automation increases

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press

SEATTLE, UNITED STATES — Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer, announced on Wednesday it will lay off approximately 16,000 employees globally as the company expands its use of artificial intelligence in administrative processes.

The move is part of a broader effort to streamline the company’s organizational structure by "reducing hierarchy and eliminating bureaucracy." This new wave of job cuts follows a previous plan announced just months ago to reduce the workforce by 14,000 positions. With a total global workforce of approximately 1.58 million people, these adjustments reflect a strategic shift toward AI-driven automation in corporate operations.

Organizational restructuring and AI integration

Amazon Vice President Beth Galetti stated that the layoffs are aimed at simplifying the company's internal management layers. Galetti noted that the increased use of AI in administrative tasks has allowed the company to operate with a leaner structure. The restructuring is designed to make the organization more agile, moving away from the rapid hiring pace seen during the pandemic years.

Support measures for affected employees

For staff based in the United States, Amazon is providing a 90-day window to apply for other positions within the company. Beth Galetti confirmed that employees who are unable to find a suitable new role during this period will be offered severance pay and professional transition support. For international employees, the company stated it would follow local labor laws and consultation processes relevant to each region.

Post-pandemic adjustments and automation

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy previously indicated that the rapid expansion during the COVID-19 pandemic led to an over-inflated management structure. Jassy has emphasized that as AI-supported automation becomes more sophisticated, shifts in the labor force are inevitable. According to data from September 2025, Amazon remains one of the world's largest private employers, maintaining a headcount of over 1.5 million people despite these targeted reductions.

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