Two Canadian teams will not compensate employees during NHL stoppage

Both the Calgary Flames and the Winnipeg Jets have informed their hourly and event employees that they will not be compensating them for cancelled shifts moving forward. The league is currently being suspended due to the ongoing spread of COVID-19.

This decision comes after many NHL teams, including the New Jersey Devils, Washington Capitals, Anaheim Ducks, and the Nashville Predators have come out and said they will be paying staff during the stoppage. This movement actually started in the NBA, when Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said he would support all Mavericks employees who aren't going to be able to work. Since Cuban stepped up, many other NBA owners, and even some players, have stepped up saying they will cover the salaries of all team employees.

The Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC), who owns the Flames, said the following in an email regarding the situation.

“Unless notified by your supervisor, all scheduled shifts are cancelled. CSEC will pay for your March 12, 2020 shift if you were scheduled to work as the notice of cancellation was less than 24 hours required by Alberta Employment Standards. Any shifts on March 13, 2020 and beyond must be pre-approved by your supervisor.”

This move certainly won't sit well with the majority of hockey fans. It was becoming a feel-good story seeing all these owners step up to help people in need. As of now, there is no end in sight to the NHL suspension, meaning these team employees could be without jobs for a while, possibly until next fall. Considering these fans help put money in the very rich owners' pockets, it will be interesting to see if there is any public backlash from Flames or Jets fans. This entire situation with COVID-19 is extremely unfortunate, and likely won't be over anytime soon.

MUST READ

40 minutes ago  |  By Skyler Walker Gavin McKenna makes it known which NHL organization he wants to be drafted by

1 hour ago  |  By Skyler Walker Martin St-Louis is attacked by Canadiens fans directly after Game 4 loss at the Bell Centre

2 hours ago  |  By Skyler Walker Canadiens mascot Youppi turns heads with gesture targeting fans while down 0-4

2 hours ago  |  By Skyler Walker Jakub Dobes immediately causes a stir with comments after the Canadiens' Game 4 loss

3 hours ago  |  By Skyler Walker Patrick Roy is back in the spotlight after two prominent sources confirm a major rumor

3 hours ago  |  By Skyler Walker Toronto Maple Leafs have reportedly found their next head coach of the organization after Craig Berube

4 hours ago  |  By Skyler Walker The NHL is forced to instantly punish a Canadiens player after a controversial act: Phillip Danault in trouble

4 hours ago  |  By Skyler Walker Canadiens game disrupted as police respond to serious incident outside the Bell Centre

MORE STORIES