Employment Law

Coca-Cola Layoffs 2026: Severance Rights & Employee Guide

A photo of cola in a glass. (Photo: K8 / Unsplash)

Coca-Cola is reportedly scaling back its corporate workforce to kick off 2026 — axing approximately 75 jobs. (Food Dive)

The bombshell update comes as the beverage giant continues to restructure its operations.

It’s unclear if any Canadian positions at Coca Cola have been eliminated.

If you’re laid off or receive a severance offer, don’t sign anything until you understand your full rights under Canadian employment law.


Coca-Cola Severance Pay – What Employees Should Know

If you’re a non-unionized Coca-Cola employee in Canada, you may be entitled to up to 24 months of severance pay when fired or let go.

How Severance is Calculated?

Several factors determine what you’re owed, including:

  • Age
  • Length of service
  • Position or seniority
  • Ability to find similar work (job market conditions)

Is Your Severance Package Fair?

A proper and fair severance package must cover:

  • Salary
  • Bonuses & commissions
  • Benefits & pension contributions
  • RSUs, stock options, incentive pay
  • Vacation pay & allowances
⚠️ Warning: Coca-Cola’s initial offer may only reflect minimum standards, not your full common law rights. Many employees are owed significantly more than what’s first put on the table.

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Not Always Called a Layoff

In some cases, Coca-Cola (and other large employers) avoid calling a workforce reduction a “layoff” by:

  • Cutting pay
  • Reducing workplace responsibilities
  • Reassigning employees

If you find yourself in this situation, these changes may qualify as constructive dismissal — which is legally treated the same as a termination and may entitle you to full severance pay.

📌 Don’t Sign Anything! Talk to an employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP before accepting an offer — you may be entitled to months of additional pay.

Severance Success Stories – Our Track Record

We’ve negotiated significant results for employees at major corporations, including:

  • ✅ 24 months’ severance for a long-term professional after refusing unfair new terms post-acquisition. See our win →
  • 6 months’ severance for a short-term executive pressured to sign an unfair release after termination. See our win →
  • 4 months’ severance for an employee terminated after just eight months in a senior role. See our win →

Our clients are often surprised by how much they’re legally owed after being wrongfully dismissed — and legal fees are often covered by the employer.


FAQs on Coca-Cola Layoffs

👉 Why is Coca-Cola Laying Off Employees in 2026?
The company’s decision to trim its corporate headcount is reportedly part of an ongoing restructuring.

👉 Do Coca-Cola Employees Get Severance if They’re Fired or Laid Off?
Yes. In Canada, non-unionized Coca-Cola employees are entitled to severance pay, which can be as much as 24 months’ pay. The amount depends on various factors (i.e. age, position, length of service, etc.). A proper severance package should also include bonuses, benefits, and stock compensation — not just salary.

👉 Can My Employment Contract Limit Severance?
Not usually. Most termination clauses in contracts are unenforceable under Canadian Law.

👉 Are Temporary Layoffs Legal?
For non-unionized employees, a temporary layoff usually equals termination — requiring severance pay.

👉 Do Contractors Qualify For Severance?
Yes, if you’re actually a Coca Cola employee misclassified as a contractor.

👉 How Long Do I Have to Claim Severance?
Up to 2 years from your termination date.

👉 Can I Be Let Go During Maternity or Disability Leave?
No. Termination during a protected leave is illegal and discriminatory.

Lost Your Job? Get Help Now

If you’ve been impacted by Coca-Cola layoffs in Canada, don’t sign anything before seeking legal advice.

🛡️ We Know Severance
Our employment lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and BC help non-unionized staff — including Coca-Cola employees — win fair severance. Many cases qualify for our no win, no fee contingency arrangement.

At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, our track record speaks for itself:

  • 👥 50,000+ Canadians successfully represented
  • 💰 Millions secured in severance payouts
  • ⚖️ Over 99% of cases settled out of court
  • 3,000+ 5-star Google reviews
  • 🏆 Named one of Canada’s Best Law Firms

📞 Call us at 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.

⚠️ Unionized?
Only your union can represent you. By law, employment lawyers can’t represent unionized employees.

Laid Off at Coca-Cola? Get Full Severance

Speak to our knowledgeable employment law team before signing anything.

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Disclaimer: The materials above are provided as general information about the rights of non-unionized employees in Canada. It is not specific to any one company and SHOULD NOT be read as suggesting any improper conduct on the part of any specific employer, or a relationship between Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and a specific employer.

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