Amazon is facing growing backlash in Quebec following its January 2025 decision to shutter all seven of its warehouses in the province. The closures, set to unfold over the next two months, will eliminate approximately 4,500 jobs, including full-time positions and subcontractors.
The Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN), Quebec’s prominent labour federation, has responded by calling for a public and governmental boycott of Amazon. CSN President Caroline Senneville described Amazon’s move as a clear attempt to stifle unionization efforts and avoid negotiating its first North American collective agreement. “There is no doubt that the closings announced today are part of an anti-union campaign against CSN and Amazon employees,” Senneville stated.
Unionization Efforts and Controversy
The controversy arises from Amazon’s recent labour history in Quebec. In May 2024, workers at an Amazon warehouse in Laval made history by successfully unionizing, marking the company’s first unionized warehouse in Canada. Less than a year later, Amazon announced the closure of its Quebec facilities, sparking accusations that the move is retaliatory.
CSN alleges that Amazon’s decision directly undermines union activities, violating provisions of Quebec’s Labour Code designed to protect workers’ rights to organize. The union plans to pursue legal action against Amazon, arguing that the closures constitute illegal obstruction of unionization efforts.
Amazon’s Response
Amazon has firmly denied these allegations. The company claims the closures are purely operational, aimed at reverting to a third-party delivery model similar to its pre-2020 logistics structure. According to Amazon, this shift is intended to optimize efficiency and deliver long-term cost savings for customers. The company insists the decision followed a comprehensive review of its Quebec operations and is not connected to recent labour developments.
“Our focus remains on providing the best service to our customers while maintaining operational efficiency,” Amazon stated, dismissing claims that the closures are linked to unionization.
Political and Legal Repercussions
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from political leaders. François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, expressed disappointment, describing Amazon’s move as “inconsistent with its expressed interest in being a leader and strategic partner within Canada’s industrial economy.” Minister Champagne has reached out to Amazon’s Canadian leadership to discuss the matter further.
Legal experts suggest that the CSN’s lawsuit could mirror historical cases, such as Walmart’s 2005 closure of its Jonquière, Quebec store following a successful union drive. That case led to prolonged legal battles and heightened scrutiny over corporate anti-union practices in Canada.
Broader Implications for Labour Rights
Amazon’s exit from Quebec raises questions about the state of labour rights in Canada, particularly concerning multinational corporations. The case highlights the ongoing tension between corporate strategies aimed at operational efficiency and workers’ rights to organize and bargain collectively.
The CSN’s call for a boycott extends beyond Amazon’s direct operations. The union is urging all levels of government, public agencies, and private entities to terminate contracts with Amazon and its subsidiaries, emphasizing the broader economic and ethical stakes involved.
