Nestle, the Swiss multinational food and drink processing company, has announced that it will pay full salaries to all employees affected by work stoppages for a minimum of three months, to protect them from the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic. In the wake of the crisis, the Company will also temporarily raise wages by $3 per hour for on-duty factory and distribution centre workers in Canada, retroactive to March 16, 2020.
Additionally, Nestle officials have reportedly said they will pay bonuses to employees of its Canadian factories,who cannot work from home, and salaries for up to eight weeks to those in the retail operations, which have been temporarily closed.
Globally, part-time and salaried employees impacted by any temporary shortages caused by the outbreak will be paid in full for a period of three months, by Nestle, which has a 291,000 strong workforce across the world.
The Company that manufacturers the famous Kit-Kat chocolate and Nescafe coffee, also said it will provide cash advances or loans to those in financial difficulty, and that it had put in place generous sick leave arrangements for employees who may have contracted the virus.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is a global problem and consequently we are offering help on the ground everywhere,” said Mark Schneider, chief executive officer, Nestle, in an official statement.
“Please get ready for the storm to hit – because hit it will,” warned Schneider.
The Company admitted to working hard to ensure that supplies are maintained, and also assured customers that it will be able to meet the global demand for food products, as more people stay at home for an extended period of time.
On the other hand, rival Unilever, announced on March 25 that it will pay its part-time workers for up to three months and accelerate payments for small and mid-sized suppliers, to provide relief during the outbreak.
Nestle revealed that it will be partnering with Red Cross to provide the humanitarian agency with supplies and transportation, and will also donate 10 million Swiss francs, food, water and medical nutrition products to those most affected by the pandemic.
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