Holiday store openings hurt workers

Re City pushed to adopt equal holiday rules for all retailers, Jan. 1

I agree there should be a level playing field for stores and shopping centres on holidays. Simply make sure they are all closed and paying their employees for the day.

The obsession with increased shopping hours is counterproductive to a fair society. Family time is important, especially for those who work low-wage retail jobs. Is it really too much to ask that everyone take a day off? David Ottenbrite, Cambridge This is not news. Oxford Properties relentlessly lobbies governments to convince them to rewrite laws that stand in the way of higher profits. Of course, this wealthy real estate company would like Toronto to overturn bylaws so more of its shopping centres can stay open.

Most stores in the Toronto area close for only nine days each year, including Christmas, New Year’s, Easter and Thanksgiving. Since work schedules are so unpredictable, retail workers count on those limited public holidays as guaranteed time they can spend with their families.

The story says, “Toronto city council has grappled with this matter several times without much success,” taking Oxford’s side.

From the perspective of retail workers, and from our notions of democracy, Toronto has actually been successful time after time in defeating this big-business lobby. The city voted against changing the rules in 2017 following extensive public consultations, as did Peel Region.

The anomaly is York Region, where York’s municipal council last year stripped statutory holidays from more than 60,000 retail workers, with virtually no public consultation.

Shame on Oxford for fighting laws that are good for workers and our communities. When the Toronto Star does a story like this, you should include the voices of those who are most affected: the workers who serve customers. Susan McMurray, executive assistant, Toronto & York Region Labour Council The one thing not mentioned in this article is the staff. Do they want to work on New Year’s Day? There will always be enough shoppers for any holiday, but will the staff be pushed into working? What would a store do if most staff want the day off? Martin Campbell, Toronto