WINNIPEG -- In a first for Manitoba, 35 workers at a Winnipeg Tim Hortons have joined a union following a decision from the Manitoba Labour Relations Board this week.
Rabia Syed of Workers United Canada says it's a victory for the employees, who had complained they were threatened by management for attempting to unionize.
The union says the labour board ordered the reinstatement of an employee who had been fired in February after talking to union organizers.
The Tim Hortons restaurant, located at Portage Avenue and Wall Street, will soon begin the process of negotiations on a first collective agreement.
Workers United represents 10,000 workers across Canada and 150,000 workers across North America.
Workers United members work in garment and textile, food service, hospitality, social services, manufacturing and distribution industries.
"This is a significant victory for the labour movement," said Barry Fowlie, director of Workers United in a news release. "It sends a clear message that employers cannot simply walk over workers' rights. The real work will now begin with negotiations and we will keep a close eye on this Tim Hortons to make sure they bargain a first contract fairly."
A spokesman for the Tim Hortons franchise could not be reached for comment.
