Hudson's Bay to lay off 600 workers due to COVID lockdowns

The Hudson's Bay Company will permanently lay off more than 600 workers due to the economic fallout caused by COVID-19 lockdowns.

As of February 1st, almost half of the company's department stores remain temporarily closed due to lockdown measures.

"The pandemic continues to have a significant impact on non-essential retailers," she said in an emailed statement," said Tiffany Bourré, a company spokesperson. "Due to these circumstances beyond our control, the company has had to make adjustments which have resulted in a reduction in workforce."

According to Bourré, the layoffs compromise almost just under five per cent of HBC's workforce.

About 40 HBC workers, some of whom have worked at HBC between 10 and 30 years, are concerned about the terms of their termination have partnered with Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, claiming that they haven't been offered adequate severance and are calling this situation a "wrongful dismissal."

Samfiru, a partner at this law firm, said that he will be engaging HBC on behalf of terminated employees to ensure "they get what they're owed."

With lockdown protocols , many stores across Ontario are being heavily restricted, and they are not happy about it.

Hudson's Bay has been one company to take action against the lockdowns, calling them “devoid of logic”