Amazon CEO Andy Jassy faces blowback after telling employees AI will cut the company’s white-collar workforce over the next few years. Jassy said AI-driven “efficiency gains” are behind the plan.
The announcement sparked a firestorm on Amazon’s internal Slack channels. Employees criticized the move and Jassy’s leadership, warning of job losses and the risks of relying too heavily on AI, according to messages reviewed by Business Insider.
One worker captured the mood with blunt sarcasm: 
"There is nothing more motivating on a Tuesday than reading that your job will be replaced by AI in a few years."
Some agreed AI could replace middle management unnoticed, pointing to recent cuts in that layer. Others were more critical, saying:
"At least he said the quiet part out loud. We all knew it but now it’s clearly part of the plan."
A heated debate unfolded over what AI should mean for work. Many argued a 50% AI productivity boost gives companies two choices: shrink the team and keep output steady, or maintain staff and grow. Amazon is opting for the leaner team, insiders say.
One employee urged the company to shift perspective:
"We need to lead the change in reframing AI as partners (even teammates or colleagues) rather than AI as replacements or tools. It’s a slightly different vision than the one Andy alludes to."
Others called out Jassy for prioritizing cuts over customer experience. One wrote:
"He, as the CEO, has shown he can deliver on one of those things and not the other."
Employees also flagged the dangers of too much AI reliance. They warned AI can mislead and cause more problems in decision-making. One message said:
"It’s dangerous, and it will have real consequences."
Concerns about layoffs loomed large. Some described Jassy’s memo as another sign of relentless cost-cutting.
"This seems to be the [antithesis] of Think Big, and is part of a continual trend that our CEO doesn’t seem to have a vision for the company other than ‘do what we do today cheaper, and also AI will happen,’" an employee wrote.
Frustration extended to top leadership. Amazon’s senior executive team has grown under Jassy, leaving workers to question if cuts will spare senior ranks. One employee asked:
"Will it result in less SVPs?"
Amazon declined to comment on the internal unrest.
