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Amazon to lay off 9,000 more workers after earlier cuts (cnbc.com)

669 points by mfiguiere · 1260 days ago · 876 comments on HN

Article summary

Amazon will lay off 9,000 more employees in the coming weeks, primarily affecting its cloud computing, advertising, human resources, and Twitch units. This decision is part of the company's effort to streamline costs and operate more leanly in the face of economic uncertainty. The layoffs follow an earlier round that began in November and extended into January, which affected over 18,000 employees. The company aims to balance cost-cutting with continued investment in key customer experiences.

Main themes

  • Automation and Job Loss
  • Economic Inequality
  • Collective Ownership
  • French Revolution
  • Technological Advancements
  • Social Justice

What commenters say

  • The increasing use of automation and robots may lead to significant job losses, potentially resulting in social unrest and necessitating a reevaluation of economic systems.
  • Collective ownership of the means of production, such as through cooperatives or stock compensation, could help mitigate the negative effects of automation and economic downturns.
  • The French Revolution's emphasis on liberty, equality, and fraternity provides a historical precedent for addressing issues of economic inequality and social justice.
  • The concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few individuals or corporations can lead to exploitation and undermine democratic institutions.
  • Some argue that the concept of a 'terror state' is often exaggerated or distorted for political purposes, while others see it as a legitimate concern in the context of violent revolution.
  • The relationship between technological advancements, such as AI, and employment is complex, with some predicting significant job displacement and others seeing opportunities for growth and innovation.