Employment Law

‘Hard choices’ ahead as General Mills kicks off $130M restructuring

A bowl haphazardly filled with cereal and milk.

What’s going on at General Mills?

General Mills is embarking on a sweeping multi-year restructuring effort – and it’s starting with a $70 million charge in its current quarter, largely tied to severance expenses, according to a recent regulatory filing.

  • The move is part of broader “targeted organizational actions” aimed at reshaping the Cheerios maker’s operations.
  • The full restructuring is expected to cost about $130 million and will be completed by the end of fiscal 2028.
  • The company did not disclose how many roles would be affected by the changes.

A General Mills spokesperson told Reuters:

“While this news represents hard choices, they are necessary to fund product innovation … and position General Mills for long-term success.”

Why it matters

The Minneapolis-based food giant is under pressure as consumer demand weakens and private-label brands gain ground – particularly in its salty snack and pet food segments.

  • In March 2025, General Mills lowered its full-year sales and profit forecasts amid a tougher competitive landscape.
  • Shares are down more than 15% year-to-date as investors respond to softer performance and margin pressure.

Next steps for General Mills employees

If you’re fired or let go from General Mills, understanding your legal rights is crucial.

Non-unionized employees in Canada are entitled to severance pay. The amount you’re owed is based on a variety of factors, including your role, tenure, age, and ability to find similar work.


WATCH: Employment lawyer Lior Samfiru delves into severance pay on an episode of the Employment Law Show.


Here’s what you need to know:

  • Compensation: Severance packages, which can be as much as 24 months’ pay, may include salary, bonuses, commissions, and other forms of compensation. Use our firm’s free Severance Pay Calculator to better understand your entitlements.
  • Deadlines: You generally have up to two years from the date of your termination to review and negotiate severance offers.
  • Action steps: Consult an employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP to ensure your severance package is fair and aligns with Canadian employment laws.

🚨 YOU HAVE RIGHTS! For a broader understanding of your severance rights, visit General Mills Layoffs: Your Rights and Severance Pay Explained. You can also use our free Pocket Employment Lawyer to get real-time insights.


Lost your job at General Mills? Contact us

If you’ve been fired or let go from General Mills, the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can help.

Our lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C. have helped tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals resolve their workplace issues.

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

⛔  UNIONIZED? You must consult your union representative regarding termination, severance pay, and other workplace issues. These matters are governed by your collective bargaining agreement. By law, employment lawyers can’t represent unionized employees with these issues.

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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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