As technology layoffs continue, some CEOs are trying to explain their thinking.
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That’s what Amazon CEO Andy Jassy did on Wednesday New York Times DealBook top, CNN reports – as Amazon warehouse workers protested outside the building.
Related: Amazon CEO Andy Jassy announces more layoffs in next year
In his remarks, Jassy cited Amazon’s “uncertain economic” environment and previously aggressive hiring strategy over several years as factors in the decision to make layoffs and “streamline” costs.
Amazon confirmed that it began laying off company employees in November and will continue to do so through next year. It is reportedly planning to cut 10,000 roles.
“Look at 2020, our retail business grew 39% year over year, with an annual run rate of $245 billion, which is unprecedented, and it forced us to make decisions in that time to spend and spend a lot more money. are moving much faster in building infrastructure than we ever imagined,” Jassy said.
As Jassy gave his first interview since the cuts were announced, Amazon warehouse workers lined up behind the company’s first-ever U.S. union at a Staten Island facility in the rain outside the building to protest the CEO’s presence, according to CNN.
Although the union achieved a milestone in April, Amazon filed 25 objections to the election just a week later NPR, including the claim that the Brooklyn office of the National Labor Relations Board favored the union. But a federal labor official recommended that those objections be dismissed.
Related: Amazon, amid layoffs, reportedly voluntary buyouts
In an interview with CNN Business before Jassy appeared on the summit, Amazon Labor Union president Chris Smalls wondered how Jassy “even had the guts to feel comfortable coming to New York City, knowing that we haven’t negotiated yet.”
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