Attacking minimum wage earners is dishonest, counter to Canadian values
Released January 5, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 5, 2018
Attacking minimum wage earners is dishonest, counter to Canadian values
The Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL) commends recent increases to the minimum wage in Ontario, and supports all plans across the country that would see the lowest-paid Canadians get a raise. However, some businesses are using the minimum wage increase as a cover for cutting benefits and reducing hours – thereby further amassing wealth off the backs of hard-working people.
In particular, some Tim Hortons franchise owners – including the heirs to the Tim Hortons fortune – have been threatening the livelihoods of their employees.
“I think it is completely unacceptable and dishonest for people who are heirs to a $1.4 billion US fortune to claim that paying workers $14 an hour requires cutbacks to hours and benefits,” said Larry Hubich, SFL president, “every time the minimum wage increases – usually by only cents at a time – some business groups cry wolf and claim the sky is falling. However, we know that increasing the minimum wage puts more money in the pockets of people who spend it in our communities generating economic activity. Unlike the Tim Hortons heirs, who issued their threats from a winter home in Florida,” he added.
The best way for Tim Hortons workers to guard against unjust attacks from owners is to join a union.
In Saskatchewan, workers at a Tim Hortons in Canora are trying to do just that.
“To benefit low-paid workers and local economies here in Saskatchewan, we need to do two things: first, the Sask. Party government must commit to a $15 an hour minimum wage, “said Hubich, “Secondly, we all need to support workers who are trying to form unions, which would raise their pay and give them protection against some business owners who are so greedy they would try to steal from of the most marginalized workers in the province,” he added.
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The SFL represents over 100,000 working people across the province in 37 affiliated unions.
For additional information, contact:
Kent Peterson
Strategic Advisor
Saskatchewan Federation of Labour
m: 1 (306) 570-1855
e: k.peterson@sfl.sk.ca
