Union representatives from Kingston to Toronto were out in force tonight supporting workers at the Tim Hortons on Division Street. The media was also well represented. There were perhaps 150 people all told in the parking lot and spilling out onto the street. The action started at around 4:30 but got into full swing around 5:00 p.m. when both NDP leader Andrea Horwath and a light rain arrived! As well as Union reps, the organization known as “Fight for $15 & Fairness” was there as well as the Durham Labour Council and more (details below). Passing cars honked in support. A police car arrived but took no action – they were probably coming for a coffee. There was no indication of a boycott – signs were all about wages and inequality.

It was clear that both media and union supporters saw the issue as wider than the Cobourg franchise – there were no signs directed at the local operation. There were also few people from Cobourg there!

I noticed these representatives:

Unions & Supporters

CUPE

OPSEU

UNIFOR

UFCW

United Steelworkers

Durham Labour Council

Labour Councils from Kingston, Brockville, Quinte and Northumberland *

Media

CBC News

CTV News

Global TV

City News

Local Radio

Northumberland News

Photos

Below gives an idea of the event. It was generally a cheerful, well behaved crowd. Many wanted to thank Andrea and give her a hug for joining in.

Labour Action at Tim Hortons on Cobourg’s Division Street Crowd outside Tim Hortons waiting One of the demonstrators Demonstrators with signs attracted attention Starting to rain and getting dark More Signs - most media were on sidewalk Andrea Horwath in Media Scrum Andrea smiled for my camera Andrea chatting to supporters

Links

A report by CTV that it was not just the Cobourg franchise and calling for a boycott

A Port Hope Coffee Shop that simply raised prices (Details about Coffee Public on Facebook)

QNet News report *

Note: items with asterisk * added after initial posting