Calgary flames won’t pay their hourly staff during Covid-19

[Roughneck]

Originally Posted by Flash Walken

Yeah, upon further reflection, that's it for me.

World wide pandemic, billionaires with all the means in the world to do the right thing without prompting, #### about to hit the fan provincially.

They decide to screw over their lowest paid and most dependent employees to save less money than what they spend on sticks for a season.

It's more than tone deaf.

This is after they threatened to until they received hundreds of millions in taxpayer money for a new arena to charge fans more with.

[Scroopy Noopers]

Radio news break in Ontario. Only team they called out is the flames.

[Aarongavey]

This is really a cherry on the icing on the cake of what it means to be embarrassed to be a Flames fan. The on ice failings are sort of baked in, but screwing over minimum wage employees is really just over the top for this franchise.

[MoneyGuy]

Originally Posted by cam_wmh

We should set an over/under to when they cave.
I got $20 on the under, at 1:30pm MST, Monday.

No way they last that long. I say it happens within 24 hours.

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by MoneyGuy

No way the last that long. I say it happens within 24 hours.

Agreed. The huge backlash through the internet alone has got to be concerning for them. They stand to lose way more money not paying their employees if fans desert the ship.

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Greedy selfish rich people will be greedy and selfish. Not a shocker.

Hopefully this crisis leads to some worldwide change in a positive way. Our political and economic systems are severely flawed.

[Nsd1]

Fitting tweet

https://twitter.com/user/status/1238821352678674432

[Jimmy Stang]

Originally Posted by Matt Reeeeead

As a flames employee the internal culture has really improved quite dramatically over the last 5 years and John Bean is a very generous and charitable man. I do think this decision is more complex than it’s made out to be and that they will come out with something after they have had time to do their due diligence and think whatever they come back with won’t be because of public relations.

I'm not buying that. They could've said "we're working on something to help in the mean time - stay tuned" in the email and people would've believed them and given them time. When they backtrack on this, it will be 100% because people found out made a stink, and it threatened their reputation and the bottom line.

[Saint Troy]

Originally Posted by MoneyGuy

No way they last that long. I say it happens within 24 hours.

Likely, but this a permanent stain on the organization, disgraceful.

[nik-]

Originally Posted by Jimmy Stang

I'm not buying that. They could've said "we're working on something to help in the mean time - stay tuned" in the email and people would've believed them and given them time. When they backtrack on this, it will be 100% because people found out made a stink, and it threatened their reputation and the bottom line.

They need to do the due diligence of seeing the reaction to this. Then they'll be able to make a decision that doesn't drag their asses all over the community they just finished pimping.

[Maritime Q-Scout]

What would part time employees be making on EI?

What would the difference be?

Is that really a sizable amount?

The Oilers et al aren't paying full wages, just the difference. Which I think is reasonable.

Do I know what those dollar figures are?

No.

Can I think of a reason why Edmonton and Toronto can do this but not Calgary?

Also, no.

After listening to all the great things people have been saying about Ken King over the last few days, did none of it resonate with the Flames "leadership"?

I've been very proud of a lot of things the Flames have done over the years. Modeled some of my own leadership philosophies after things done by the organization.

Frankly, the cost might be worth it from a PR perspective. It'll pay for what you'd lose, plus you could gain some sales by being a community leader in a time of strife.

I was thinking this afternoon of a time I criticized the Flames on this board. I'm sure I've done it. If I think you're wrong, I'll tell you (with reasoning, and assumptions outlined), and if I'm wrong I'll admit it.

Then I read this.

I'm not mad at the Flames for this decision, I'm just disappointed.


Edit: I should also note, the local junior team isn't paying staff. My father is directly affected by the suspension of CHL hockey. Now, he works part-time because he's retired and it's an excuse to get out of the house, he doesn't need the money. All that said, I would be shocked if our arse backwards junior team paid employees through this troubling time. I'm surprised the Flames are not.

[iamca]

Pay your hourly employees for the sake of humankind.

[ComixZone]

I've also contacted my season ticket rep with my dissatisfaction regarding how they are handling this.

Seems bonkers to me that they're taking this stance when so many other teams are stepping up.

[agulati]

I have contacted my ticket rep too. This is not acceptable. Completely horse#### move by the management.

[Patek23]

Originally Posted by FaFaFlamey

Consider the source. No surprise one billionaire backing up other billionaires. 2 words: orphan wells.

The Flames are taking a full on public relations beating on Twitter. This is not good! Oiler fans are having a ball.

The funny thing is that the team DIDNT want to own the arena as it is a depreciating asset. The city would of much rather the Flames organization had to own the building and pay property taxes etc.

[theJuice]

As a diehard lifelong flames fan, this team is incredible at constantly embarrassing me and making me feel disappointed to cheer and support them. Just a terrible look.

[flamesrule_kipper34]

As a STHer I'm embarrassed as well and just sent the following to my Account Rep

Hi xx,

Hope you're doing well and you and your family are staying safe and healthy in these turbulent times.

Initially, I was preparing an e-mail (both to acknowledge your previous update, which I appreciate the clarity on renewals for next year and also to inquire about plans for the reminder of the season and ticket cost/reimbursement should cancellations occur). But what I think is most important at this stage is conveying my incredible disappointment at the news I've heard today regarding The Flames ownership choosing NOT to continue paying or supporting the PT/hourly arena staff and extended impacted workforce.

This of course is not meant for you at all (especially since you're on the front line and do Yeoman's work), but I hope you can forward this off to upper management.What a stark contrast in seeing how other Sports' leagues, in addition to the NBA, but even within our own league including The Edmonton Oilers and seeing how they'll continue to support these heavily impacted workers. This news is embarrassing and frankly I feel embarrassed by association.

My hope in voicing this extreme displeasure is that The Flames will course correct, for transparency sake if what I've read today is true then a bitter taste will forever be left in my mouth, but at least I will some some faith restored. However, if they don't then I believe my decision to place my financial support towards The Flames (season tickets, merchandising and etc.) going forward becomes an easy one and I'll have to place that elsewhere where both my values and interests are aligned.

Lastly, I have shared this message across my STH community and from what I'm hearing this is a consistent message that will be shared across the board with The Flames (if not already).

xx, thank-you for taking the time to read this e-mail and trust you and your family continue to be safe.

Much appreciated.

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by Saint Troy

Likely, but this a permanent stain on the organization, disgraceful.

Didn't most teams take the same stance initially?

[White Out 403]

I find that I am disgusted in a way that feels similar to when the league was locked out. I hated the players for being so greedy. The owners were trying to control costs, and I stupidly equated the salaries with the unaffordability of the NHL for Canada. Well, the salary cap was actually useful in getting the Jets back and as it turns out the hold out by the owners was useful. It made the climate exist so that the Jets could come back. But it still left a bad taste in my mouth with the players who fought so greedily for uncontrolled spending.

After the Flames hosed the City of Calgary , and the Oilers Edmonton, I started to really hate ownership too. I’m neither a Flames fan nor an Oilers fan but a tax payer in Alberta. It’s really gross watching billionaires hold fans hostage. Kaatz is a piece of human garbage, and the Flames have turned into a tone deaf Dr Evil organization. What really hurts is TNSE and how they treat Jets’ season ticket holder. I’ve gone to a dozen rinks in the NHL, and the Winnipeg fans get the worst in game production and experience in the NHL bar none. ####ing New Jerseys does it better. With the latest greedy move of not paying arena staff during this pandemic I find myself really digging deep and questioning everything. I love the Jets, I love Winnipeg. Not sarcastically or ironically; Winnipeg is a great city. The people are incredible and the city has so much going for it. #### all the people with negative things to say about it that have never been, or only been in December. I still heavily associate myself and my identity as a Winnipegger through the sports teams, the Bombers and Jets. I don’t know if that will ever change, but at work eating my dinner just now I looked at my car key chain with a Jets spinner on it and considered taking it off.

I don’t ever want to lose my team again, and I really don’t think a lot of the folks here want the Flames to actually move to Houston, but disappointment I feel with my team and I imagine how you feel about your team is just soul sucking. How can some of the wealthiest people in our society be so ####ing callous and tone deaf and miss an opportunity be community leaders.

[Beninho]

Big oof by the Flames, pay your employees. They have families and bills to pay. Anyone with a shred of social awareness could’ve predicted the backlash teams will get if they don’t. Bad all around


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