Today, Amazon announced a 16,000 worker lay off to remain competitive with other companies integrating AI into their workforce, all after already cutting 14,000 jobs this past October. There are no signs of future relief for worried Amazon employees, either: CEO Andy Jassy has been adamant that AI will “change the way our work is done” and that white-collar workers should expect more cuts.
Amazon’s layoffs are in line with the trend of corporations cutting jobs, claiming that they are trying to be more efficient in the age of AI:
- This week, Pinterest laid off 15% of its workforce to “[prioritize] AI‑powered products and capabilities.”
- Last year, companies like IBM and Paramount laid off thousands of workers as a result of pivoting to AI.
- It’s estimated that AI led to at least 55,000 layoffs in 2025.
“AI is shaking up America’s labor force in unprecedented ways. We already have a serious affordability and employment problem, and it is unclear whether AI is helping or hurting.
As we head into election season, voters will be looking at who is finding solutions to ensure that every American has a well-paying job to provide for their families,” said Brendan Steinhauser, CEO of The Alliance for Secure AI.
“Congress must act by prioritizing the bipartisan AI-Related Jobs Impact and Clarity Act to help our leaders examine the effects that AI and automation are having on regular Americans. The U.S. is ushering in the AI era. If we want it to go well,we must be prepared to do what it takes to maintain the dignity of work in our country.”
Sens. Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Mark Warner (D-VA) introduced the AI-Related Jobs Impact and Clarity Act last year to direct the Department of Labor to require companies and federal agencies to regularly disclose information about AI’s effects on the workforce and make the data available to the public.
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