3.20 Post-employment and other non-current employee benefits
Post-employment and other non-current employee benefits, which are considered to be monetary items, include obligations for pension and post-employment plans and seniority premiums, all based on actuarial calculations, using the projected unit credit method.
In Mexico, the economic benefits and retirement pensions are granted to employees with 10 years of service and minimum age of 60. In accordance with Mexican Labor Law, the Company provides seniority premium benefits to its employees under certain circumstances. These benefits consist of a one-time payment equivalent to 12 days wages for each year of service (at the employee’s most recent salary, but not to exceed twice the legal minimum wage), payable to all employees with 15 or more years of service, as well as to certain employees terminated involuntarily prior to the vesting of their seniority premium benefit.
For defined benefit retirement plans and other non-current employee benefits, such as the Company’s sponsored pension and retirement plans and seniority premiums, the cost of providing benefits is determined using the projected unit credit method, with actuarial valuations being carried out at the end of each reporting period. All remeasurements effects of the Company’s defined benefit obligation such as actuarial gains and losses and return on plan assets are recognized directly in other comprehensive income (“OCI”). The Company presents service costs within cost of goods sold, administrative and selling expenses in the consolidated statements of income. The Company presents net interest cost within interest expense in the consolidated statements of income. The projected benefit obligation recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position represents the present value of the defined benefit obligation as of the end of each reporting period. Certain subsidiaries of the Company have established plan assets for the payment of pension benefits and seniority premiums through irrevocable trusts of which the employees are named as beneficiaries, which serve to decrease the funded status of such plans’ related obligations.
Costs related to compensated absences, such as vacations and vacation premiums, are recognized on an accrual basis.
The Company recognizes a liability and expense for termination benefits at the earlier of the following dates:
| a. | When it can no longer withdraw the offer of those benefits; and |
| b. | When it recognizes costs for a restructuring that is within the scope of IAS 37, Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets, and involves the payment of termination benefits. |
The Company is demonstrably committed to a termination when, and only when, the entity has a detailed formal plan for the termination and is without realistic possibility of withdrawal.
A settlement occurs when an employer enters into a transaction that eliminates all further legal of constructive obligations or part or all of the benefits provided under a defined benefit plan. A curtailment arises from an isolated event such as closing of a plant, discontinuance of an operation or termination or suspension of a plan. Gains or losses on the settlement or curtailment of a defined benefit plan are recognized when the settlement or curtailment occurs.