Goodwill Toronto employees entitled to vacation pay: Pettapiece

QUEEN’S PARK – Today in the Legislature, Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece stood up for former employees of the now closed Goodwill Toronto, Eastern, Central and Northern Ontario (TECNO). He demanded the government ensure that Goodwill TECNO’s former employees receive the vacation pay to which they are entitled.

“Goodwill Toronto’s bankruptcy filing shows that its 430 employees are owed $4.2 million dollars in severance and vacation pay,” said Pettapiece, who serves as the Official Opposition critic to the Minister of Community and Social Services. “We know that they’re unlikely to see a dime from the settlement.”

Pettapiece called on the Minister of Labour to confirm that Goodwill TECNO’s employees will receive the vacation pay they are owed.

“If Goodwill is unable to provide employees with their vacation pay during the bankruptcy process, then it’s up to the government to step in,” said Pettapiece following question period. “Employees need to know that any valid claims they file through an Employment Standards Claim will be honoured.”

Minister of Labour Kevin Flynn stated that his ministry’s work on the Goodwill TECNO file is ongoing, and that he expects “a successful conclusion.” 

On January 17, 2016, Goodwill Industries TECNO abruptly shut down its 16 stores and 10 donation centres. Employees arrived at work to find that they no longer had a job. On February 8, 2016, Goodwill Industries TECNO filed for bankruptcy.

“We in the Ontario PC Caucus were extremely sad and disappointed to learn that Goodwill Industries of Toronto, Eastern, Central and Northern Ontario closed down,” said Pettapiece. “This abrupt closure left employees in the lurch, and they need to know that the government is there to support them.

“I hope the minister fulfills his apparent promise to employees to resolve the issue of outstanding vacation pay ‘successfully,’” said Pettapiece.