Chanel, the renowned French luxury house, has recently made a public announcement about its commitment to addressing the ongoing health and economic crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. While the company had not previously publicly discussed its response to the situation, it has now decided to communicate its efforts.
In a press release, Chanel described itself as a “responsible and citizen company”, highlighting its proactive approach in facing the challenges of the current crisis. The brand had already announced the closure of its production sites in France and Europe in early March. Now, the press release provides a comprehensive overview of the measures taken by Chanel in response to the pandemic.
Among the significant steps taken by the brand is the decision to forego the government’s partial unemployment scheme, which was recently introduced in France. This decision is aimed at alleviating the burden on the country’s public finances. Bruno Pavlovsky, the President of Chanel SAS, has spoken about the rationale behind this decision, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to acting responsibly.
Chanel has pledged to continue paying 100% of the salaries for all its 8,500 employees in France over an eight-week period, starting from March 16th until May 8th. This commitment encompasses employees in various sectors, including the Métiers d’art, the production sites, and the company ERES. Importantly, Chanel emphasizes that this initiative is entirely funded by the company itself, and encourages its employees to actively participate in this solidarity initiative, ensuring a smooth transition into the post-crisis period.
In addition to supporting its employees, Chanel has also announced a financial aid package of €1.2 million for hospital staff. This support will be provided through the emergency fund established by the Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris Foundation, the Georges Pompidou Foundation, and the SAMU.
Furthermore, Chanel has highlighted the dedication of its teams, including 150 couturiers from its Haute Couture, Ready-to-Wear, and Art Houses. These skilled workers have been mobilized to produce protective masks and medical gowns. Chanel’s manufacturing partners are also expected to join this initiative once the prototypes have received the necessary approvals.
It is worth mentioning that Chanel has already made significant contributions during this crisis by providing over 50,000 masks to various hospitals, firefighters, police, and gendarmerie departments in several regions.
Chanel’s commitment to its employees’ well-being, financial assistance to hospitals, and the production of protective gear exemplifies their dedication to making a positive impact during these challenging times.
For more information, please refer to the following links:
1. Chanel’s Actions
2. Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris Foundation
