Coca-cola to vaccinate 10,000 workers for free

COCA-COLA Beverages Philippines Inc. (CCBPI) provides Covid-19 relief to its 10,000 employees via its free vaccination program and a P2-billion assistance fund.

The local bottling arm of beverage giant Coca-cola said in a statement on Wednesday that its employees and their immediate family members will be receiving free Covid-19 vaccination.

The company is currently working with partners for the immediate and efficient vaccine inoculation.

“Our People-first commitment means that we are responsible for our employees and their families especially during these most challenging times,” said Gareth Mcgeown, President and CEO of CCBPI. “2020 really tested us as a company—tested our policies, our culture, the way we do business, and I am extremely proud to say that we came out of it stronger as one Coke family. We intend to do the same this year and the years to come.”

The vaccination program, the bottling firm said, is aimed at boosting activity and mobility, allowing the continued operations of the Coke value chain. In a way, this initiative can also contribute to job generation as every direct job means seven more indirect jobs across its value chain, CCBPI said.

Meanwhile, the P2-billion employee assistance fund is an allocation to ensure that all employees will receive their salaries amid an economic turmoil.

“Our biggest achievement is that we did not have to let anyone go because of the pandemic,” Mcgeown said.

The company provides comprehensive HMO (health maintenance organization) coverage for employees and dependents. This, in addition to employing strict safety and sanitation standards in all its 20 manufacturing sites, 70 distribution centers and sales offices.

Coca-cola said it offers expanded maternity and paternity leaves and extended health coverage to samesex partners. The firm also implements a solo-parent policy that allows single parents to have more work schedule flexibility.

“At Coca-cola, all teams are working toward a unified goal of providing equal opportunities and supporting everyone to thrive and grow, especially during these times. Our people have been integral to the company’s achievements throughout our 108 years of service in the country—with them, we are able to move forward and continue to serve for a hundred more,” Mcgeown said.

last February, Coca-cola announced its $63-million investment to expand its facility in Sta. Rosa, laguna. The bottling firm spent over $90 million in investments last year.