Lawyers representing former Hudson’s Bay employees have asked an Ontario court to approve a hardship fund and additional support measures to help workers affected by the department store’s collapse last year. The motion also seeks approval for a lump-sum payment to support former employees receiving long-term disability benefits, many of whom were told their benefits would be suspended. Lawyers say the measures would provide income security and time for some of the most vulnerable former employees to manage their finances following the insolvency. Hudson’s Bay employed more than 9,300 people before filing for creditor protection and closing all stores, with only a handful of staff remaining as the company continues to wind down through the courts.
