Nestlé Canada has rolled out a special bonus for its employees to support its staff and amid the coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis.

The company has temporarily increased wages by C$3 an hour for all factory and distribution centre employees.

The decision will be implemented immediately, retroactive to 16 March.

Nestlé noted that salaried factory employees, who cannot work from home, will also receive a bonus.

In case of temporary suspension of operations due to the Covid-19 outbreak, all hourly and salaried staff will receive up to eight weeks’ of full pay. Nestlé staff associated with retail operations will also receive full pay up to eight weeks.

Nestlé Canada president and CEO Jeff Hamilton said: “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 organisation, are making an incredible difference during this time and because of them, our products continue to be available to Canadians.”

In the last few weeks, Nestlé Canada has also taken a series of measures to mitigate the risks of Covid-19 contagion.

The steps include implementing a flexible work from home policy, closing KIT KAT CHOCOLATORY and Nespresso boutiques and ensuring social distancing across all operations.

Nestlé has been present in Canada since 1887, with 3,200 employees across 18 locations in the country.

Meanwhile, the number of Covid-19 cases in Canada has crossed 3,400.