Heirs of the Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons taught lawmakers a lesson in economics this week in response to a minimum wage hike.
Jeri Horton-Joyce and Ron Joyce Jr., children of the late NHL legend and restaurateur Tim Horton, told Ontario employees this week that a $2.40 minimum wage jump has forced them to adjust benefits packages. The pair said their decision is the prudent thing to do as unintended financial consequences of the policy make themselves known.
“These changes are due to the increase of wages to $14.00 minimum wage on January 1, 2018, then $15.00 per hour on January 1, 2019, as well as the lack of assistance and financial help from our Head Office and from the Government,” a letter to employees said, The Toronto Star reported Wednesday.
Employees will no longer be paid for breaks during nine-hours shifts. Dental and health benefits have also been altered.
“Once the costs of the future are better known we may bring back some or all of the benefits we have had to remove,” the letter continued.
A Tim Hortons spokesperson told the newspaper that “franchisees are responsible for handling all employment matters, including benefits and wages, at their restaurants while complying with all applicable laws and regulations.”
“I feel that we are getting the raw end of the stick,” an employee who asked to remain anonymous told CBC.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.