Nestlé Canada supporting employees and communities in light of COVID-19

March 26, 2020, North York, Ont. – Nestlé Canada is taking immediate action to further support its employees and local communities in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Employees in Nestlé’s factories and distribution centres across the country are receiving a temporary increase of $3 an hour, retroactive to March 16, 2020. Salaried employees in factories who can not work from home will receive a bonus as well.

Additionally, in the event of any temporary shutdown related to COVID-19, up to eight weeks’ full pay will be provided for all company hourly and salaried staff affected by the shutdown. Employees in retail operations that have been temporarily closed, will also receive full pay up to eight weeks.

“As a leading food and beverage company, we are an essential service and have a critical role to play in delivering the products that Canadians depend on,” Jeff Hamilton, president and CEO, Nestlé Canada, said in a press release.

“Our factory and warehouse employees, who are at the heart of our organization, are making an incredible difference during this time and because of them our products continue to be available to Canadians.”

Nestlé Canada has taken other measures, including:

• Implementing a flexible work-from-home policy. Over the last few weeks, office employees have moved to home-based work;
• Temporarily closing Kit Kat Chocolatory and Nespresso boutiques;
• Enhancing safety and hygiene practices across all of operations – including factories, offices and distribution centres;
• Applying social distancing across all facilities, production lines and distribution centres.

The company also continues to support long-time charitable partners, Food Banks Canada and Kids Help Phone with product and/or monetary donations. The company has set up an employee-matching program and is doubling employee donations to the organizations.

“In challenging times such as these, it is important to remember that our communities need our help,” said Hamilton. “Our charitable partners are experiencing a major surge in food and service requests from many vulnerable Canadians and youth who rely on these services. Now more than ever, they need our help.”

Nestlé is the world’s largest food and beverage company and employes 3,200 people in approximately 18 locations across Canada.