Nike has silently laid off workers in recent weeks and hinted at a comprehensive restructuring last week. However, the company has not provided details or reasons for the ongoing staff cuts. In various divisions, including human resources, recruitment, sourcing, brand, engineering, digital products and innovation, the company has let go of employees.
On 6 December 2023, the employees received an email in which Nike outlined several executive changes aimed at speeding up decision-making and addressing consumer needs.
In Canada, non-unionised Nike employees are entitled to full severance pay if they lose their jobs due to downsizing, corporate restructuring, or business closure. This applies to full-time, part-time, or hourly workers in Ontario, Alberta and B.C.
Those working on contracts or as contractors may also be eligible for severance pay, as misclassification is common in Canada. The amount of severance can range up to 24 months’ pay, depending on various factors.
In 2020, the company let go of 700 employees as part of a restructuring aimed at increasing the company’s agility. In 2017, Nike cut 745 jobs in Oregon, where it happens to be the largest company.
Nike has a global workforce of 83,700 as of 31 May, according to its latest annual report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.