Advertisement

Coronoavirus outbreak: CAE announces temporary layoffs, reduced work week

Click to play video: 'COVID-19 companies developing PPE to help health care workers'
COVID-19 companies developing PPE to help health care workers
A few Montreal-based companies have decided to do their part in helping health-care workers by developing and delivering personal protective equipment (PPE). As Global's Tim Sargeant reports, they're distributing important equipment such as ventilators and surgical masks to front-line workers – Apr 4, 2020

CAE Inc. is temporarily laying off about a quarter of its staff, cutting salaries and suspending its dividend and share repurchase plan in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The company, headquartered in Montreal, says it is temporarily laying off 2,600 of its 10,500 employees and placing another 900 employees on a reduced work week.

READ MORE: Montreal-based companies ramping up medical supplies to fight COVID-19

The latest health and medical news emailed to you every Sunday.

The company also announced salary freezes and salary reductions for staff not affected by reduced work weeks.

It says its chief executive and executive team will take a 50 per cent reduction, while vice-presidents will see a 30 per cent cut.

READ MORE: Coronavirus: Montreal bow company making masks to protect patients at Lakeshore hospital

Directors and managers will take a 20-per-cent cut and group leaders and employees will see a 10-per-cent reduction.

Story continues below advertisement

CAE has designed a ventilator prototype to provide life support to patients in intensive care and is working to source components in order to begin production once it is approved by Health Canada.

Sponsored content

AdChoices