HUDSON’S BAY AXING 600 WORKERS ACROSS CANADA

Hudson’s Bay Co. is permanently laying off more than 600 workers across Canada amid ongoing store closures due to COVID-19 lockdowns, The Canadian Press reports. The newswire quotes Tiffany Bourre, a spokeswoman for the retailer, as saying nearly half the company’s department stores remain temporarily closed and the company has had to make adjustments. But she says HBC is committed to treating each individual affected with fairness and respect during these difficult times. Employment lawyer Lior Samfiru said his firm has been contacted by about 40 HBC workers concerned about the terms of their termination. Samfiru, a partner with Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, said the employees have received a so-called working notice, which means they are expected to work until the termination date, CP reports.