Pennsylvania Layoffs Rise: State 3rd Highest in US for Job Cuts in 2026

Despite national job growth, thousands of Pennsylvania workers face layoffs in 2026 as the state ranks 3rd nationally for job cuts.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Despite a national jobs report showing growth in January, approximately 4,000 workers in Pennsylvania have already received notice of impending layoffs in 2026. This places the commonwealth third in the nation for the highest number of job cuts, following California and New Jersey, according to data from WARN Tracker, which compiles layoff notices from larger employers.

Why it matters

Layoff notices are one indicator of economic health, but not a complete picture. While the data suggests a weakening job market, particularly among Black and Hispanic workers, Pennsylvania's relatively stable unemployment rate indicates workers may be finding new employment opportunities, signaling a degree of workforce redeployment.

The details

Among the companies announcing significant job reductions are Amazon Fresh, which will eliminate 983 positions with the closure of six Philadelphia-area stores, and GIANT supermarket, planning to cut around 500 jobs early this year. Economists suggest that layoff notices are one indicator of economic health, but not a complete picture, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has routinely revised its data as additional information becomes available, recently reducing estimated job gains in 2025 from 584,000 to 181,000.

  • In 2025, Pennsylvania employers filed 14,235 WARN notices.
  • Amazon Fresh will cut 983 jobs with the closure of six stores in the Philadelphia area.
  • GIANT supermarket will eliminate about 500 jobs early this year.

The players

WARN Tracker

An organization that compiles layoff notices from larger employers.

Stephen Herzenberg

An economist at the Keystone Research Center who likened analyzing economic data to describing an elephant by touch.

Lauren S. Holubec

The executive director of the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.