The job market started 2026 with a contradictory signal. While the private sector recorded 217,362 layoffs in the first quarter of 2026 (a 1% drop in the general average), the technology area is experiencing an isolated storm. Driven by artificial intelligence (AI)cuts in the tech sector soared 40% in the same period, according to the Wall Street Journal.
This reinforces the idea that the race for automation has already redesigned payrolls for large companies around the world.
Although the total volume of layoffs is 56% lower than the beginning of 2025, the year in which massive federal cuts in the US inflated statistics, the current dynamics are different.
Giants like Amazon, Nike and Morgan Stanley have announced monthly waves of layoffs, signaling that the stability of the private sector hides a specific pressure: the exchange of human labor for intelligent tools.
Restructuring of big techs: AI dictates the pace of job cuts
At the top of the list of adjustments are the UPS and the Oraclewith 30 thousand layoffs each. In the case of Oracle, the numbers come from estimates by analysts at the TD Cowen bank, who point out redirecting capital to finance AI infrastructure.
THE Amazon also followed this aggressive flow by eliminating 16 thousand positions companies in January, completing a cycle of 30 thousand cuts that began in the final stretch of 2025. It is the equivalent of 10% of your team office.
The Goal (owner of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp) fired eight thousand employees in April, around 10% of its staff, to free up resources destined for AI.
The domino effect affected companies of different sizes and niches. THE blockled by Jack Dorsey (one of the co-founders of Twitter), reduced its workforce by 40% (four thousand people) in a AI-driven reform (although there are controversies about this justification).
Other digital platforms, such as Snap and Pinterestcut between 700 and a thousand vacancies each to focus on areas of technological growth. Until GoProknown for its action cameras, cut 23% of your team to reduce operational costs.
In addition to Silicon Valley, traditional industry is also feeling the impact of automation. The chemical giant Dowfor example, turned off 4.5 thousand employees seeking productivity gains via AI.
The Nike recorded two waves of cuts in 2026, totaling more than 2,100 layoffs focused on technology and distribution centers. The sports brand bets on a strategy which relies heavily on automated processes to remain competitive.
Source: www.bing.com
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