A few years ago, the owners of a Tim Horton's franchise in Ontario wrote a letter to their employees that caused a controversy. The franchise owners claimed that an increase in minimum wage was the reason behind many sudden changes. Read the letter they gave employees and tell us what you think. It is professional? Negative? How would you improve the message? Please prepare a response of -100 words and reply to at least two other students (-50 words). DEAR TEAM MEMBERS: It is with great regret that Ron Joyce Ir. Enterprises Ltd. (Tim Hortons) finds it necessary to make the following changes to our incentive programs, paid breaks, and policies. These changes are due to the increase of wages to $14.00 minimum wage on January 1, 2018, then $15.00 per hour on January 1, 2019, as well as the lack of assistance and financial help from our Head Office and from the Government. The decisions of the following are the results of intense discussions with management and numerous small business owners in our area and other franchise owners. Breaks will no longer be paid. A 9 hour shift will be paid for 8 hours and 20 minutes: 8 hour shift will be paid 7 hours and 30 minutes: 7 hour shift will be paid 6 hours and 30 minutes: 6 hour shift will be paid 5 hours and 30 minutes: 5 hour shift will be paid 4 hours and 45 minutes: 4 hour shift will be paid 3 hours and 45 minutes: 3 hour shift will be paid 2 hours and 45 minutes. The incentives of working your birthday and the day off with pay after six months of not calling in are cancelled. The Incentives of receiving bonus" for covering shifts when called on days off and a day of pay for a death in your immediate family will continue. Dental and Health Benefits will continue, but members will be required to cover the cost of the benefits by the following Over 5 years of employment will pay 50% of the cost of their benefits. Employees with 6 months up to 5 years will pay 75 % of their benefits cost. Any employee may cancel their benefits if they wish. Please let us know as soon as possible. We apologize for these changes. Once the costs of the future are better know we may bring back some or all of the benefits we have had to remove. All the above will become effective January 1, 2018. Sincerely: Jeri, Ron and Lisa December 2017 I have read and understand these changes: Signature Date