In very limited cases, we also use third-party contractors to manufacture product outside of our core product offering. Our outsourced product represents less than 10% of our annual revenue. In these cases, we are working closely with our contractors to support them through the crisis and maintaining constant communication in providing clarity on decision-making processes and action plans related to COVID-19.
Our actions:
“"Caring for our people has always been a top priority at Gildan, even more so during this time of uncertainty. I want to assure you that Gildan remains fully committed to this goal as we navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic. Our teams are working hard to ensure the welfare of our people and the continuity of our business.”
- Claudia Sandoval VP, Corporate Citizenship
Below is a summary on the support we are providing employees in each country where we have operations:
Following the shut-down of our manufacturing and distribution operations in the U.S. on March 23rd, 2020, our yarn manufacturing employees and many of the employees at our distribution centers were temporarily laid off from their positions. During the temporary layoff, each employee retained their seniority at the Company as well as their benefits with no contributions needed from the employees.
Since the start of the shut-down, our employees have also been eligible to receive unemployment benefits in the states in which we operate, namely North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. In addition, the United States government is providing a financial weekly aid through the end of July 2020 per the CARES Act to employees who have been laid-off due to COVID-19.
Our distribution centers have been operating at a certain scale to distribute PPE and maintain service to our customers. Some of our yarn facilities have also re-opened at a reduced capacity to produce yarn that will be knit and sewn into PPE and support the demand for our business.
On March 16th, 2020 we temporarily suspended production at our manufacturing factories in Honduras. During the suspension, the Company has been using different financial solutions, which have also been discussed with union representatives where applicable, including the direct payment of minimum wages, and the payment of accrued vacation days and holidays to its employees. The Company has also joined an Economic Aid Package launched by the Honduran government for employee’s subject to employment contract suspensions. This package provides a family economic relief subsidy, which is contributed partially by the state and Gildan.
During the temporary suspension, employees' contracts remain active and each employee retains their seniority at the Company. Employees also continue to have full access to their health benefits through the country’s Social Security.
On March 23rd, 2020, we temporarily suspended production at our factories in Nicaragua. During the temporary suspension, employees' contracts remain active, and each employee retains their seniority at the Company. Employees also continue to have full access to their health benefits through the country’s Social Security. The suspension terms, as well as wages paid during this period, were agreed with union representatives at the facilities and approved by the Ministry of Labor in Nicaragua.
A number of financial measures are being used to support employees during the temporary suspension, including the payment of accrued vacation days and a humanitarian aid subsidy to all employees, paid for by Gildan which represents 50% of the country’s minimum wage for direct and indirect hourly employees.
On March 19th, 2020, we temporarily suspended production at our manufacturing factories in the Dominican Republic. During the temporary suspension, employees' contracts remain active, and each employee retains their seniority at the Company. Employees also continue to have full access to their health benefits through the country’s Social Security.
For the first two weeks of the suspension, employees were paid based on accrued vacations. During the months of April, May and June, Gildan was able to join a government program called FASE which provides workers with 70% of the minimum wages and Gildan contributes with the remaining 30%. The 30% Gildan is providing is not required under the program but rather a voluntary contribution that the Company has decided to make for the benefit of its employees.
On March 28th, 2020, we temporarily suspended production at our textile and sewing facility in Bangladesh. During the temporary suspension, employees' contracts remain active, and each employee retains their seniority at the Company.
Since the beginning of the shutdown in Bangladesh, we have been paying all manufacturing employees 50% of their salary in addition to their allowances. This represents approximately 70% of the countries' minimum wage.
In addition, workers have also received payments applicable to the Eid Festival, as was required by law, as well as their accrued vacation days or earned leave encashment.
Questions? please email us at [email protected]