Hudson’s Bay to Terminate Over 8,300 Employees by June 1
Canada’s oldest retail chain, Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC), will officially lay off more than 8,300 employees by June 1, 2025, marking a major chapter in its 355-year history. This comes as the company completes its nationwide liquidation and shutters more than 80 stores across Canada.
Nearly 90% of Workforce Affected
According to court documents, 8,347 workers—about 89% of HBC’s total workforce—will lose their jobs by Sunday. HBC employed around 9,400 workers, including unionized employees represented by Unifor Locals 40 and 240, and the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). The layoffs began earlier this year as part of a restructuring plan and court-supervised wind-down.
HBC’s remaining 1,017 employees include staff at distribution centers, most of whom will be let go by June 15. After that, just 118 employees will stay on to help with the company’s final obligations under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act.
Unions Push Back on Severance and Transparency
Unions and advocacy groups are demanding full severance, unpaid wages, and benefit protection for affected workers. In a statement, the CLC emphasized, “No backroom deals, no vague promises — workers deserve full transparency.”
Unifor has organized rallies in Windsor, Kitchener, Toronto, and Scarborough, urging the company to honour its obligations. The union is also calling for federal reforms to insolvency laws to better protect workers in future corporate collapses.
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Among their demands:
- Raise the cap on the Wage Earner Protection Program (WEPP)
- Strengthen super-priority status for unpaid wages
- Hold directors accountable for unpaid compensation
- Create federally guaranteed funds to safeguard employee pay
Controversy Over Executive Bonuses
The company came under fire in March for awarding $3 million in bonuses to executives during the liquidation process. The timing of these bonuses, while thousands of employees faced layoffs, sparked outrage from workers and labor groups alike.
What Happens to Hudson’s Bay Brand?
Earlier this month, Canadian Tire Corporation purchased Hudson’s Bay’s brand assets—including its iconic coat of arms and signature stripes—for $30 million. While the physical stores are closing, the legacy of the brand may continue under new ownership or licensing.
Do you think companies should be legally required to pay full severance before rewarding executives during closures? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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More…
- https://globalnews.ca/news/11199378/hudsons-bay-closure-layoff-plans-june
- https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/hudsons-bay-8300-employees-june-1-1.7544639
- https://www.reuters.com/business/world-at-work/canadas-hudsons-bay-retail-chain-terminate-more-than-8300-workers-by-sunday-2025-05-27
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