The Tim Hortons protests are coming to North Bay.
Henri Giroux, North Bay and District Labour Council President says in a news release this afternoon that, "With the much-needed increase in the minimum wage finally in place, thousands of area residents can rest a bit easier now that they earn $14 per hour. Citizens and parents may now be able to pay for better quality food, important medicine, and children’s community or school activities, rather than forgoing necessities. A job should never be a partner in poverty.
“That’s why we’re hosting an information picket outside of the Judge Street Tim Hortons on Lakeshore this Friday at 4:30,” explained Giroux. “Everyone is welcome.”
See: 'Hold the sugar, hold the cream, Tim Hortons don't be mean,' protesters chant
Giroux isn't sympathetic to the restaurant giant.
“How much more do they need. Tim Hortons as a corporation earns $3 billion US per year, their head CEO makes nearly seven million a year, and Tims annually pays out $350 million in profits to shareholders.”
Tim Hortons is a multinational fast-food company, with its head office in Brazil.
“We want to join the rest of Canada by showing residents and franchise owners that we can send a clear message to RBI CEO Daniel Schwartz that he cannot treat our workers this way.
“If Tim Hortons Corporation can tell its franchisees what napkins to use or how to stir coffee, then surely they can tell their highly successful franchise owners to restore benefits and paid breaks.
“Tim Hortons knew all about bill 148 months and months before January 1, 2018, arrived. Most Ontario businesses have been doing a great job adjusting by minimizing the impact to workers.
“Tims had an amazing chance to live up to its Canadian-as-a-donut image but they completely blew it,” stated Giroux. “We used to think Tim Hortons was our Hometown Hero, now they look more like a greedy cruller.”
