Tim Hortons Controversy

I received this article today via e-mail from my step-mom, not sure if it was at the Tim Hortons I used to work at... but it's sure an interesting story:


Tim Hortons serves up some controversy
'No Drunken Indians Allowed' joke at Alberta outlet no laughing matter for surrounding aboriginal groups
DAWN WALTON

From Wednesday's Globe and Mail
May 30, 2007 at 4:44 AM EDT

CALGARY — — A boycott is brewing at Canada's iconic coffee and doughnuts chain after a sign that declared "No Drunken Indians Allowed" was taped to a drive-through window at a Tim Hortons [THI-T] outlet in Southern Alberta.

The company, which says the poster was an ill-conceived joke placed by a teenage staff member at a Lethbridge location last week, is fielding complaints from aboriginal people, who are now calling for a ban on the popular eateries.

"Please do not purchase from these stores," noted an e-mail that is circulating among members of native communities. "It might not make a big impact on their profits, but at least it will let them know that these [types] of discriminatory acts will not be tolerated."

The e-mail urges people to call the company's head office to complain about the "offensive" sign, which a number of people already have, and to forward the e-mail to as many other aboriginals as possible. It has also made its way - several times over - to corporate headquarters in Oakville, Ont.

"This is not something we tolerate and it is not reflective of Tim Hortons," Rachel Douglas, a company spokeswoman, said yesterday of the sign. "For any offence, I extend my sincerest apologies."

Ms. Douglas first heard about the controversy on Friday after receiving a complaint.

The teenage staff member has been suspended from a number of shifts and she was educated about the company's harassment policy. The teen, who is not aboriginal, apologized to two employees who are members of native bands, and the outlet's owner sent a letter of regret to the nearby Blood Tribe.

"I think it was one of those youthful things where she just didn't realize and she was made very aware of her actions and the consequences and was very remorseful," Ms. Douglas said. "We decided it was in her best interests - and a learning experience - that we didn't terminate, but she has been disciplined and reprimanded."



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