news
Newsstand: December 5, 2014
Burger King's takeover of Tim Hortons has been approved by the federal government. Prepare for a chorus of anti-authoritarian teens saying, "It's a metaphor for America taking over Canada, man." In the news: Drake is opening a store tomorrow, Second Cup begins rebranding itself, airport employees aren't happy with the Union Pearson Express, and hotel workers protest fewer work hours.
Fans of Drake (and really, aren’t we all fans of Drake?), rejoice! His label OVO—which stands for October’s Very Own—is opening its first store. The clothing line has had pop-up stores in the past, but this will be its first permanent location. The store, located at 899 Dundas Street West, will open at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 6.
Second Cup, a national coffee chain that often feels like an also-ran among this city’s many, many coffee options, has unveiled a new, rebranded location. The Second Cup at King Street West and John Street is now a “café of the future” replete with electronics charging stations and a Steampunk brewing system. Customers can also visit the “slow bar” to interact with employees. If we needed any more proof that this isn’t your grandma’s Second Cup (your Dad’s? Seriously, who drinks Second Cup?), the employees will have a new dress code and even the music is going to be switched up.
Talks between Metrolinx and Pearson Airport workers have failed to provide workers with a satisfactory conclusion regarding lower fares on the Union Pearson Express. While the train’s fare hasn’t yet been decided, there is widespread understanding that a one-way ticket will cost airport employees around $20 or $30. There are 3,500 airport workers living in the areas the UP Express serves who could benefit from the shorter commute the train promises compared to the TTC.
Sheraton Centre workers protested Thursday over the hotel’s “Make A Green Choice” program, which allows guests to opt out of having their room cleaned each day in exchange for a $5 voucher or loyalty points. The workers are upset that the program has led to fewer hours and thus fewer jobs, but that the hours which remain involve harder work—since “green” rooms can go for days without being cleaned, once they are cleaned the work is much more onerous. However, according to the Toronto Star, the Sheraton’s website claims that one room participating in the program for just one night can save “596 cups of water and enough natural gas to heat a 400-square-foot room for several hours.”