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Amazon's "Accidental" Layoff Email Sparks Fresh Fears at AWS

An internal email from an Amazon Web Services executive was accidentally sent, referencing "organizational changes" and sparking immediate concern among employees. The message, with the subject line "Project Dawn," was quickly recalled but not before fueling speculation of another major round of layoffs. This comes after Amazon cut 14,000 jobs in October 2025, part of a larger 30,000-target reduction linked by CEO Andy Jassy to company culture rather than just finances or AI. Investors are now watching Amazon's upcoming earnings report for clues on margins, AI spending, and further cost-control measures.

Key Points: Amazon AWS Accidental Layoff Email Sparks Job Cut Fears

  • An internal AWS email referencing "Project Dawn" was accidentally sent and recalled
  • The email acknowledged organizational changes are difficult for all employees
  • Layoffs could affect AWS, retail, and stores operations similarly to October's cuts
  • CEO Andy Jassy previously linked past cuts to company culture, not just AI or finances
2 min read

Amazon's 'accidental' layoff mail sparks fresh fears of job cuts at AWS

An internal AWS email referencing "Project Dawn" and organizational changes was accidentally sent, fueling speculation of major upcoming layoffs at Amazon.

Amazon's 'accidental' layoff mail sparks fresh fears of job cuts at AWS
"changes like this are hard on everyone - Colleen Aubrey, SVP of Applied AI at AWS"

New Delhi, Jan 28

An internal Amazon Web Services (AWS) email, seemingly sent by mistake referencing “organizational changes,” heightened speculation that US tech giant Amazon may announce another round of layoffs, though employees were already expecting one despite no official announcement.

The message, sent by Colleen Aubrey, senior vice president of applied AI solutions at Amazon Web Services (AWS), acknowledged that "changes like this are hard on everyone" and said they were intended to position the vertical for "future success," according to multiple reports.

The email, which referenced a post by Amazon HR chief Beth Galetti, suggested that some staff had already been notified of their status.

The message, which was seemingly sent by accident, included the subject line "Project Dawn" and appeared to be recalled shortly after it was sent.

Amazon did not clarify about "Project Dawn", or if the message was released prematurely.

Job cuts could affect teams across AWS as well as Amazon's core retail and stores operations, media reports said, citing people familiar with the matter.

In October 2025, Amazon reduced 14,000 white-collar employees from its workforce, around half of its total target 30,000. The magnitude of job cuts next week is expected to be of the same level, as per the sources.

The Seattle online retailer had linked the October round of job cuts to the rise of artificial intelligence software in an internal letter. .

Later, however, CEO Andy Jassy told analysts during the company's third-quarter earnings call that the reduction was not "really financially driven" or "AI-driven." He said, "it's culture," alluding that the company had too much bureaucracy.

Though the job cut affecting 30,000 employees would be the largest layoff in Amazon's three-decade history after 27,000-job cuts in 2022, it would represent a small portion of Amazon's 1.58 million employees.

Affected workers could remain on the payroll for 90 days, during which time they could apply for jobs internally or seek other employment, according to reports.

Investors wait for cues on margins, AI spending and cost‑control measures from Amazon's fourth‑quarter earnings report scheduled to release after markets close on February 5.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
"Project Dawn" sounds ominous. Sending an email by 'mistake' about layoffs is incredibly unprofessional and cruel. It shows a complete lack of regard for the mental well-being of the workforce. They should have a proper plan before such communications go out.
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Rohit P
First they say it's because of AI, then the CEO says it's "culture" and "bureaucracy". Which is it? This back-and-forth just creates more confusion and fear. In the Indian tech sector, we look up to these giants, but such handling is disappointing.
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Priya S
While 30,000 is a huge number, the article says it's a small part of their total workforce. The 90-day window to find another job internally is a good practice, hope they implement it fairly for global employees too, including in Hyderabad and Chennai offices.
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Vikram M
This is the reality of corporate life, yaar. Even big MNCs are not safe. Time for everyone in tech, especially in India, to upskill continuously and not get too comfortable in one role. AI is changing everything.
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Michael C
The investors only care about margins and AI spending. The human cost of these "organizational changes" is just a line item to them. Hope the affected employees, including those in India, get the support they need.

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