Nestlé factory and distribution centre employees receive temporary raises

Nestlé Canada has announced that to offer support to its employees amid the COVID-19 pandemic, factory and distribution centre workers across the country will receive a temporary raise.

These employees will see an increase of $3 per hour, retroactive to March 16.

Salaried staff who work in factories and cannot work from home will also receive a bonus, and up to 12 weeks of pay will be provided to hourly and salaried staff who are unable to work due to temporary shutdowns across the province.

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This includes staff in retail operations, which are closed for the time being.

“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. 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,” said Jeff Hamilton, president and CEO of Nestlé Canada, in a release.

The company says that it has implemented heightened measures to ensure the health and safety of staff, including physical distancing applied across facilities, enhanced hygiene practices, and the closure of Kit Kat Chocolatory and Nespresso boutiques.

Charitable partners, Food Banks Canada and Kids Help Phone continue to be supported through product and monetary donations, and an employee-matching program that doubles employee donations to the organizations has been set up.

“In challenging times such as these, it is important to remember that our communities need our help,” Hamilton said.