Jul 09

Review of media coverage: Amazon laid-off workers’ demonstration on Prime Day

Several media outlets covered the demonstration held in Montreal on July 8, 2025, by the Amazon Workers Committee at the Immigrant Workers Centre (IWC–CTI) and community allies. Reports from CityNews, La Presse, Le Devoir, and CBC highlighted the protesters’ demands for better protections, accountability, and concrete action from governments.

On Amazon Prime Day, the Immigrant Workers Centre (IWC–CTI) held a press conference together with former Amazon workers, the Amazon Workers Union of Laval–CSN, and the Mouvement Action-Chômage de Montréal (MAC). In front of the offices of the Minister of Employment and Social Solidarity in Montreal, they delivered a clear message:

  • Real support for transitioning to new employment

  • Strict enforcement of the law on collective dismissals

  • Establishment of a reclassification committee

  • Payment of legally required severance compensation

Amazon can afford to pay. We will not be walked over.

The coverage collectively underlined the human cost of record profits: precarious employment, sudden mass layoffs, and workers left without meaningful recourse. The reports amplified the frustration over government inaction and Amazon’s practices and situated the demonstration within a broader struggle for migrant and precarious workers’ rights. The message is clear: economic growth must not come at the expense of workers’ dignity and security.

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