B.C. human-rights complaint continues to percolate against Tim Hortons

VANCOUVER – A Canadian coffee giant and franchisee have lost their bid to toss out a human-rights complaint lodged by Mexican workers in northeastern British Columbia.

Edxon Chein, Eric Dessens, Rodolfo Lara and Ruben Ramirez were all hired under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to work in a Tim Hortons franchise in Dawson Creek in 2012.

The workers filed a complaint with the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal against Tim Hortons Inc. (TSX:THI), TDL Group Corp., a subsidiary that oversees restaurant operations, and franchise operator Tony Van Den Bosch.

They allege they had to endure inferior working conditions, racist and derogatory comments and sub-standard living conditions owned by franchise operator.

A lawyer for Tim Hortons argued before the tribunal that the company wasn't connected to the issues raised in the complaint and that Van Den Bosch operates as independent contractor.

The tribunal didn't make a final decision, but ruled against the application to dismiss the case, ordered it to go to a hearing and urged the parties to seek mediation.