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Futures Slip as Geopolitical Tensions Overshadow Strong Bank Earnings

  US stock futures edged lower as investors balanced upbeat bank earnings against rising geopolitical unease tied to escalating tensions involving Iran. Contracts tied to the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all traded in the red, signaling a cautious start to the trading day. Major banks delivered solid quarterly results, with strong trading revenue and resilient consumer activity helping lift sentiment in the financial sector. Yet the optimism was tempered by concerns that potential US responses to developments in Iran could inject fresh volatility into global markets. Energy prices climbed as traders braced for possible disruptions. The pullback comes at a moment when investors are already navigating a crowded landscape of economic data, inflation readings, and policy uncertainty. With markets on edge, even strong corporate performance wasn’t enough to counter the broader risk-off mood.

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Amazon to Close All Quebec Warehouses, Lay Off 1,700 Workers

 

Amazon Canada has announced the closure of all seven of its warehouses in Quebec, resulting in the layoff of approximately 1,700 permanent employees and 250 temporary workers. The decision, which will take effect over the next two months, is part of a strategic move to revert to a third-party delivery model.

The affected facilities include fulfillment centers in Lachine, sorting centers in Coteau-du-Lac and Longueuil, delivery stations in Laval and Lachine, and an AMXL delivery station in Longueuil. Amazon claims that this decision was made to provide more efficient and cost-effective service to customers.

However, the move comes amidst ongoing labor disputes, particularly following the unionization of workers at the Laval warehouse last year. The Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN) has condemned the closures, suggesting they are part of an anti-union campaign.

Amazon has assured that it will offer a package including up to 14 weeks' pay and transitional benefits to the impacted employees. Despite this, the CSN plans to challenge the closures, arguing that they violate labor laws.

This decision marks a significant shift in Amazon's operations in Quebec and raises questions about the future of labor relations in the region.




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