'We want to ensure that no member of our team is left unable to pay their rent or feed their families'
Ontario’s largest full-service restaurant group is providing assistance to frontline workers as the province goes through another stay-at-home order amid the third wave of the pandemic.
"The anxiety created by the roller coaster actions of government-mandated openings and closings is having a significant financial and mental health impact on many of our frontline teammates," says Frank Hennessey, CEO of Recipe Unlimited.
"And while politicians and health officials debate the best course of action, it is evident that their decisions are impacting people beyond COVID-19. We want to ensure that no member of our team is left unable to pay their rent or feed their families. Unfortunately, we are seeing too many instances where this support is needed."
The company’s support program will consist of direct payments to workers who would have otherwise been laid off by this latest lockdown. Recipe will also provide enhanced mental benefits coverage for mental health practitioners and employee assistance programs.
More than half (54 per cent) of Canadians say their mental health has suffered during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and 50 per cent say they continue to feel that impact today.
In November 2020, the employer invested $2 million in PPE and other social distancing requirements. It also announced a “Social Safely” program highlighting the protocols, procedures and practices implemented at restaurants.
In March 2020, Recipe provided an additional two weeks of wages to hourly employees to help manage the initial uncertainty of the provincial lockdown. It also launched a “Thank You Pay” premium for employees who have provided an essential service throughout the pandemic, including delivering food and serving customers across dining rooms and patios, take-out, curbside pick-up, drive-thru, delivery or through third-party aggregators.
In May of 2020, the company announced a $35-million subsidy program for its franchisees along with additional economic support through December 2020. Recipe extended its franchisee support program through the first quarter of 2021.
‘No support’
Meanwhile, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) criticized the announcement of the stay-at-home order.
“Here we go again. Nine hours' notice for a province-wide stay-at-home order. Less than half a day to talk to employees, call suppliers and get your curbside operation back up and running. To add insult to injury, no additional supports have been announced," says Ryan Mallough, director of provincial affairs for Ontario at CFIB.
The group notes that 81 per cent of small business owners say that governments need to be more creative about allowing them to make sales while keeping people safe. Also, 63 per cent say they would consider using COVID-19 rapid testing in their workplace if it would help their business stay open.
"Many employers are willing and ready to help facilitate vaccines for their workers and to use rapid testing if it means they can avoid another lockdown," says Dan Kelly, CFIB president. "Small businesses are already stretched to a breaking point – shutting them down yet again, while we have better, more precise tools at our disposal, is nothing short of cruel."
