Nestlé has announced a global restructuring that will eliminate approximately 16,000 positions over the next two years (Reuters; AP News). While site-by-site details have not been released (Sky News), Canadian employees should understand their rights before signing anything.
What Nestlé Announced
Public reporting indicates the reduction includes roughly 12,000 office/“white-collar” roles and about 4,000 manufacturing and supply-chain roles (The Guardian; Euronews Business), with cuts spread across functions and geographies (AP News). At the time of publishing, country-level totals, including Canada, have not been publicly broken out (Sky News).
Key point: Lack of a country-by-country breakdown doesn’t mean Canada is unaffected (AP News). If you receive a notice or offer, get advice before you sign.
Who May Be Affected in Canada?
Based on the mix described, potential impact areas include:
- Corporate/office roles: administration, management, and professional services (The Guardian).
- Operations: select manufacturing, logistics, or supply-chain functions (Euronews Business).
- Unionized sites: impact depends on local business needs and CBA provisions (context from AP News). For unionized workers, please contact your union.
Your Rights if You’re Laid Off or Terminated
This page is designed for non-unionized employees in Canada who want to understand their rights before signing anything. If you are unionized, please contact your union. You are covered by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), and your rights (including layoffs, seniority, recall, and grievances) are typically addressed through the union process.
Severance Packages for Nestlé Employees
If you are laid off from Nestlé, you may be entitled to severance pay. In Canada, severance is calculated based on several key factors, including:
- Length of service
- Age
- Position held
- Availability of similar employment in the market
It is crucial to carefully review severance offers, as they may not always reflect the full amount an employee is legally entitled to receive. Companies often provide the minimum statutory severance, which may be far less than what an employee could claim under common law.
Wondering what you’re owed? Use our Severance Pay Calculator to quickly estimate your entitlement based on your age, tenure, and role.
Potential Issues with Layoff Notices
Layoff notices from Nestlé may not always comply with Canadian employment laws. Common issues include:
- Insufficient notice periods – Some employees may not have received adequate notice as required by law.
- Improper termination classifications – Some layoffs may be labeled as “temporary,” despite functioning as permanent terminations requiring full severance pay.
- Severance offers that don’t align with legal entitlements – Employers may initially offer severance packages that do not reflect full entitlements under the law.
Common Red Flags in Layoff Packages
- Short deadlines to sign releases without time to seek advice.
- “All-inclusive” offers that don’t explain how amounts were calculated.
- Missing details on benefits continuation, bonus/commission treatment, or vacation pay.
- Ambiguous “temporary layoff” language where no realistic recall is expected
Wrongful Dismissal and Nestlé Layoffs
If your termination was not handled properly, you may have grounds for a wrongful dismissal claim. This could include situations where:
- You were not given adequate notice or severance pay.
- You were pressured into accepting an unfair settlement.
- The layoff was discriminatory or retaliatory in nature.
If your termination was mishandled, you may have grounds for a wrongful dismissal claim. Pursuing a wrongful dismissal claim can help you recover additional compensation beyond what was initially offered.
How Monkhouse Law Can Help
At Monkhouse Law, we specialize in employment law and assist employees affected by layoffs. Our team offers:
- A free 30-minute phone consultation to assess your severance package
- Skilled negotiation to help secure fair compensation
- Representation in wrongful dismissal claims if your termination was not handled properly
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If you are laid off from Nestlé, don’t sign anything before knowing your rights. Contact Monkhouse Law Employment Lawyers for a free phone consultation and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.