(TORONTO, ON) – Ontarians are delivering Valentines to workers at more than 200 Tim Hortons outlets today; valentines that contain messages of support and additional information about workplace rights.
This action comes on the heels of a National Day of Action January 19, which saw rallies at over 50 Tim Hortons locations across Canada.
“Valentine’s Day is the time to tell the people you love that you value and support them,” said OFL President Chris Buckley. “It’s clear that some bosses are sending the opposite message to their employees through bullying and mistreatment. We wanted to tell these workers they’re valued and deserve fair treatment, and provide them with information about the rights they are entitled to.”
While millions of workers are enjoying higher wages and better working conditions, some corporations, like Tim Hortons, are attempting to claw back the higher wages through other reprisals in the workplace. Some of the mean-spirited attacks on workers include cutting the December holiday party and reducing hours.
“The majority of Ontarians are appalled to hear how workers are being treated and they are demanding better,” said Deena Ladd, coordinator of the Workers’ Action Centre. “The fact that many people are going public with these kinds of abuses shows that workers are fed up with corporate greed and know they have the public support behind them. We intend to keep fighting until all workers enjoy the benefits of a higher minimum wage and fairer labour laws.”
This February 13 Day of Action in support of Tim Hortons workers is part of the Fight for $15 and Fairness, and the labour movement’s push to win workers’ rights whether those workers belong to a union or not. The Ontario Federation of Labour, representing 54 unions across Ontario, and the Workers’ Action Centre, representing non-union workers are key partners in the campaign along with hundreds of faith, student, community and anti-poverty organizations.
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For further information:
Meagan Perry, Director of Communications, Ontario Federation of Labour
mperry@ofl-org.flywheelsites.com l 416-894-3456
Nil Sendil, Communications Coordinator, Fight for $15 & Fairness
info@15andfairness.org l 647-710-5795
