About 430 Goodwill employees in Toronto and the surrounding region will receive their paycheques today despite an earlier warning from the charity suggesting otherwise.

On Wednesday, Goodwill Industries of Toronto said that despite its “best efforts” it would be unable to pay employees on time as it dealt with a cash flow crisis that forced it to close 28 locations over the weekend.

That changed on Friday when CEO Keiko Nakamura issued a statement announcing that employees will now be paid by the end of the day.

In addition, Nakamura also said that records of employment would be mailed out to employees next week so they can begin the process of applying for employment insurance.

The pay will be for hours worked up to and including Jan. 16, which was the day before Goodwill locations in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Newmarket, Barrie, Orillia and Brockville abruptly closed.

It remains unclear whether the employees will be granted any severance pay in the future.

“I regret the concern, anxiety and frustration the staff of Goodwill has experienced as a result of Goodwill’s cash flow crisis resulting in the closing of all stores and operations,” Nakamura said in the statement. “My overriding priority since the closure of our operations has been to ensure the payment of our staff for work done. But the future of Goodwill is not assured. I am seeking the necessary support and alliances to create a constructive path forward for the organization and the many communities it serves.”

Earlier this week, the Canadian Airport Workers Union, which represents Goodwill employees, said it had spoken with investors who may be able to revive the charity’s GTA operations; however it is not clear whether any formal talks have taken place on that topic.

In her statement, Nakamura said that the she still believes the current crisis may present an opportunity for a transformation that allows Goodwill to continue to operate.

“I believe that possibilities for transformation and renewal of the organization will be explored with individuals and groups who value the contribution Goodwill makes to the communities it serves, its employees, donors, those seeking employment in challenging circumstances and the many families who purchase from Goodwill stores,” she said.

The CAWU has previously accused the charity of not communicating with its workers following the sudden closures and leaving many of its low-wage earners without a way to pay for the necessities of life.

Speaking with CP24 on Friday morning, union representative Moe Rutherford said that by issuing paycheques the company is at least giving employees, many of them mininum wage earners, some time.

“This is what the union has pushed for, to make sure that they got this done today,” he said. “It is a nice little chapter but hopefully we keep going and make sure the book has a happy ending at the end.”

Second Harvest says it will provide about 400 Goodwill employees with enough food to last them a week with trucks scheduled to deliver the groceries tomorrow.