Goodwill stores close across GTA due to cash flow problem
Posted January 17, 2016 2:00 pm.
Last Updated January 18, 2016 10:35 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Goodwill said that 16 stores, 10 donation centres and two offices across the GTA are closing due to a cash flow problem.
Stores in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Newmarket, Barrie, Orillia and Brockville are closed as of Sunday.
The closing of the stores affects more than 430 Goodwill employees.
“Goodwill will be reaching out to the union, stakeholders and all levels of governments to bring clarity as soon as possible,” said Keiko Nakamura, CEO of Goodwill.
Apparently the Canadian Airport Workers Union, which represents Goodwill workers, contacted the company and have been “met with silence,” lawyer Denis Ellickson told CityNews.
Ellickson said it was unclear if the closure is permanent and there was no advance warning.
He did say there was some suspicion on Friday because apparently Goodwill’s CEO and a board member tried to get hold of the union to have a meeting which never happened.
The union wasn’t informed what the meeting would be about.
Employees only found out when they showed up for their shifts on Sunday morning to find the doors locked.
The non-profit group has operated for more than 80 years in Ontario providing affordable goods and helping people gain access to training and work.
With files from The Canadian Press
