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Despite being a profitable multinational company, Tim Hortons refuses to respect the spirit of the new labour law to improve wages and working condition of low paid workers.
Ottawa (18 Jan. 2018) — When Ontario’s minimum wage increased to $14, Tim Hortons immediately eliminated workers’ paid breaks, reduced access to basic drug and dental benefits, eliminated uniform and drink allowances, and even cut employees’ hours of work. The first time the public heard about these cuts was when workers at a Cobourg store, owned by Ron Joyce Jr. and Jeri-Lynne Horton-Joyce, the son and daughter-in-law of the chain’s co-founder, spoke out. Following these revelations, more workers from various Tim Horton's stores raised similar concerns.
Workers across Canada support Tim Hortons staff
An outrageous move coming from a profitable multinational corporation that, in 2016, generated US$3 billion in revenue for its parent company Restaurant Brands International (RBI). That same year, RBI CEO Daniel Schwartz pocketed $6,173,993 in wages, stock options and other perks. An additional US$350 million in profits was given out to shareholders.
On January 15, a letter was delivered by a group of labour activists to Daniel Schwartz, CEO of Restaurant Brands International, demanding that he reverse the cuts made to workers at Tim Hortons. An online campaign through LabourStart Canada is also asking people to write to Schwartz to express outrage at the actions of franchise owners.
Sign the petition
In addition, a petition by the Fight for $15 and Fairness campaign is circulating to demand action by Schwartz. It reads: "Those who work in Tim Hortons franchise outlets deserve a wage that at least brings them above the poverty line. It is a cruel tactic indeed to use the urgently-needed improvements in wages and employment standards as a pretext to reduce workers’ income. I am disgusted to have learned this. I demand that you take whatever steps necessary to ensure that your company and its franchise owners respect the spirit of the new labour laws which were intended to improve the wages and working conditions of employees, especially those at the lowest rungs of the income ladder. Furthermore, I support legislative changes that will prevent companies like yours from engaging in these kinds of mean-spirited business practices."
Find out what's happening in your community
People are encouraged to find out if there is a rally planned at locations in their community on January 19 by contacting their Component or their labour council. People can also consult Make it Fair or Lead Now's website for locations.