THUNDER BAY – Local labour leaders are concerned Thunder Bay Tim Horton’s workers could be among those across the province having perks cut following the minimum wage increase, though it remains unclear whether they are being directly affected.
Nearly two dozen people gathered for an information demonstration outside the Tim Horton’s location on Memorial Avenue late Friday afternoon, advocating for employees to continue receiving the same breaks and benefits that were in place prior to the minimum wage rising to $14 per hour at the start of the year as a result of the implementation of the Fair Jobs, Better Workplaces Act.
Thunder Bay and District Labour Council president Carlos Santander-Maturana it’s important to show support for Tim Horton’s workers across the city.
“They are very vulnerable and are facing some squeeze in the area of implementation of the $14 minimum wage,” Santander-Maturana said. “There are some reports coming from the workplace that managers or owners are putting reducing or going to the bare minimum in employment standards, in particular in the area of breaks.”
Santander-Maturana acknowledged he did not have any confirmed cases in Thunder Bay of employees losing their breaks but said they have heard anecdotal accounts that indicate there could be issues.
“That’s very unacceptable because it’s creating an atmosphere of fear and the workers are not in the position to talk about this issue because they don’t belong to a union,” Santander-Maturana said.
“They have to treat workers in a very fair manner with decency.”
A select number of Tim Hortons franchisees made headlines across the province earlier this month when they informed their staff that they would be losing paid breaks and employees who wanted to continue receiving benefits would have to contribute.
Corporately, Tim Hortons said those decision were made by “a few restaurant owners” and said statements made by that “rogue group” did not reflect the company.
“While our restaurant owners, like all small business owners, have found this sudden transition challenging, we are committed to helping them work through these changes,” a statement on the Tim Hortons website from earlier this month reads.
“However, Tim Hortons team members should never be used to further an agenda or be treated as just an ‘expense.’ This is completely unacceptable.”
The elimination of paid breaks would not be illegal as provincial legislation dictates an employer is required to provide a 30-minute break that doesn’t have to be paid if a shift extends beyond five hours. The break only has to be paid if the employee is not allowed to leave the premises.
Santander-Maturana emphasized their concern extends beyond just Tim Hortons employees but to other minimum wage earners who could be impacted.
“Certainly we are afraid in some other small businesses this is going to be the trend,” Santander-Maturana said, adding the province cut the corporate tax rate for small businesses making less than $500,000 to 3.5 per cent.
