Labor protections are slowing down Amazon's effort to implement its planned layoffs in Europe.

 

Labor protections are slowing down Amazon's effort to implement its planned layoffs in Europe.  The e-commerce giant is negotiating with European labor groups as it seeks to reduce its full-time workforce in the region. Labor laws in many European countries require companies to reach agreements with employee interest groups before implementing layoffs. Labor protections are strongest in Germany and France, where Amazon has attempted to convince senior managers to leave by offering a full year's pay. Departing French employees have also been granted "gardening leave," a deal that allows them to remain formally employed until their shares vest. In Germany, Amazon has been eliminating employees who were still in their probationary periods.