More than 8,000 Hudson’s Bay employees will lose their jobs by June 1 as the iconic Canadian retailer winds down operations following its liquidation. In total, over 9,200 staff from 96 stores, distribution centres, and its Toronto head office will be terminated—representing 89% of the company’s workforce. Only a small group will remain temporarily to wrap up business.

Hudson’s Bay, which filed for creditor protection in March, stated it would pay accrued vacation but does not expect to issue severance or termination payments. The company is seeking a declaration under the federal Wage Earner Protection Program Act (WEPPA) to help affected employees access limited compensation for lost wages.

Unifor, the union representing many workers, is calling for reform to insolvency laws and higher WEPPA caps, saying current benefits fall far short of what employees are owed.

This closure marks the end of Canada’s oldest company and underscores a difficult trend in Canadian retail: rising bankruptcies, shrinking job security, and insufficient worker protections. As legacy brands disappear, Canadian workers—especially in retail—face mounting uncertainty and limited safety nets during mass layoffs.

Have you been laid off by Hudson’s Bay in Canada? Contact our employment lawyers today. Our legal team offers a free consultation and works on a contingency basis—there are no fees unless you win your case.

Bryann Aguilar’s original article, “Hudson’s Bay will terminate more than 8,000 employees, close stores by Sunday” was published in CTV News on May 27, 2025. Read the Full CTV News story.