Disgraceful way to treat franchisees

I am grateful that Tim Hortons has provided jobs to Canadians since 1964. Generations of Canadians have benefitted from the tremendous generosity and community outreach of their local franchise owners, from Timbits Hockey leagues to providing refreshments for church socials.

It is a disgrace that so many ill-informed Canadians have turned on this brand and accused the franchisees of being “greedy” when they are forced to absorb, not just this sudden wage increase, but all of the additional costs that come with this legislation, such as additional sick pay and vacation pay. These additional costs are enormous for the small business owner.

In lieu of cutting jobs, some of the owners decided to rescind the gift of benefits and paid breaks that they were providing to their employees in an effort to avoid cutting their jobs.

I would add that other restaurant franchises, such as McDonald’s, have never offered paid breaks or benefits to their employees.

What is truly shameful is the disloyal and erroneous rhetoric that is being spewed by those who have benefitted from having an engaged and committed, truly Canadianborn business in their neighbourhood. Monica Hirn, Tecumseh