Olymel lays off 57 staff, cuts 177 positions in face of 'unpredictable' market conditions

Olymel has laid off 57 employees and slashed 177 management positions as inflation, supply chain disruptions, labour shortages and other challenges take a toll on the company’s growth, it said Tuesday (Oct. 18).

Of those positions, 120 had become vacant in recent months. Staff filling the remaining roles received their layoff notices on Monday (Oct. 17). 

The Saint-Hyacinthe, Que.-headquartered producer, processor and distributor of pork and poultry meats said the decision largely affects administrative employees in Quebec.

"The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and a historic labour shortage at our facilities, market and supply chain disruptions, raw material price inflation and an uncertain global economic landscape are all factors that make a case for optimized company business models. Olymel is no exception. After careful analysis, the difficult decision to significantly reduce our management staff is an answer to the need to adapt to unpredictable market conditions and to better position the company for the future. On behalf of all my colleagues, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to each of the managers affected by this decision for their service to the company over the years. Olymel will do everything possible to ensure that these employees are supported as they continue their careers," said Yanick Gervais, president and CEO, Olymel, in a release.