# Workforce reductions in Washington state

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/workforce-reductions-in-washington-state
> Updated: 2026-09-01T06:41:21.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

Amazon has announced plans to lay off 121 employees across several Washington locations, including Seattle, Bellevue, and Sumner. The separations, which include software engineers, scientists, and administrative staff, are scheduled to occur between October 1 and October 27, 2026. The company noted that these cuts are not due to relocation or outsourcing.

These layoffs are part of a broader trend of workforce reductions in the state. Recent Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) filings indicate that five companies across the technology, manufacturing, fulfillment, and casino sectors will cut nearly 600 jobs in the coming months. 

This period of job losses coincides with rising unemployment figures in Washington, where the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 5.0% in July 2026, compared to 4.6% in July 2025.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-01: Washington unemployment hits 5% as 600 jobs are cut

Nearly 600 workers in Washington are facing layoffs across tech, manufacturing, and casino sectors, including 121 positions at Amazon, as the state's unemployment rate reaches 5.0%.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/washington-unemployment-hits-5-as-600-jobs-are-cut

### 2026-08-31: Amazon to lay off 121 employees in Washington locations

Amazon will lay off 121 employees in Seattle, Bellevue, and Sumner, Washington, with separations beginning October 1, 2026, according to state filings.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/amazon-to-lay-off-121-employees-in-washington-locations

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Cite as: Workforce reductions in Washington state. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/workforce-reductions-in-washington-state