Mistreated Filipino temp workers in British Columbia settle

Tim Hortons in Fernie, BC.

SAN FRANCISCO — Filipino temporary workers at a Tim Hortons in Fernie, British Columbia, settled their human rights complaint against their employer for an undisclosed amount.

In 2013 several temporary foreign workers at the restaurant alleged that the owners of the franchise mistreated them, took their overtime pay and threatened to have them sent home if they complained.

Tim Hortons conducted an investigation and, afterwards, took away two franchises from the couple — one in Fernie and one in Southwest Alberta, according to CBC News. The former franchise owners, Pierre and Kristin Pelletier, did not comment on the settlement

Now, the workers have settled a complaint before the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal. Former employee Richard Pepito could not comment directly on the confidential settlement. But he believed their example of standing up for their rights despite being temporary workers have benefited Filipino workers.

Pepito now works at a prison in Saskatchewan and has acquired permanent resident status.