Former Dutchie’s employee says she’s still owed thousands

A former Dutchie’s employee, who arrived in Canada after fleeing Ukraine, said she’s still owed wages. CTV’s Heather Senoran has more.

Natalia Savka says she’s still waiting to be paid more than $4,000 after working at Dutchie’s Fresh Food Market in 2023.

Savka is one of the four whistleblowers, all immigrants from Ukraine, who first shared their stories in an exclusive interview with CTV News in March 2024.

After the first interview, other people with similar allegations came forward.

Dutchie’s and Michael Renkema, the company’s director, were sentenced in June after more than a year of allegations, protests, orders to pay and court delays.

Renkema pleaded guilty to 13 counts of wage theft under the Employment Standards Act (ESA) in December 2024.

According to Renkema’s lawyer in June, Rachel Goldenberg, the 13 former employees involved in the case have been paid. She said more than $10,000 in fees also went to the Ministry of Labour and Ministry of Finance.

On June 20, a joint submission was filed by the Crown and the lawyer representing Dutchie’s and Renkema. It recommended a $25,000 fine for Dutchie’s as a corporation and an additional $7,500 for Renkema alone.

June’s sentencing represented only a fraction of ESA complaints.

Since 2010, the Ministry of Labour (MOL) has received more than 80 ESA claims. Some former Dutchie’s employees have been paid back, while others said they are still waiting for the outcome of the Ministry of Labour’s investigation.

A Dutchie’s location in Kitchener closed in 2024, followed by the Waterloo location earlier this year on Nov. 1 after 15 years in business.

Natalia Savka’s story

Savka said she first started working at the Kitchener location after fleeing her war-torn country in hopes of starting a new life in Canada.

“It was happy because it’s [a] new experience. It’s [a] store. Customer service. I make some samples for customers,” she said.

Her son, Bohdan Savka, who also spoke to CTV News last year, is also allegedly owed about $3,800.

“Every paycheque, every cheque from my salary was [a] concern,” Savka said. “But [Renkema] promised every time, ‘Next check will be good,’ and it was a lie.”

Savka said the claims from her and her son were not included in the 13 counts of wage theft that Renkema pleaded guilty to.

She claimed new Canadians were targeted and taken advantage of.

“Because they don’t have information, experience,” she said.

Savka said she’s doing better since leaving Dutchie’s and has a new job, but claims she still needs what she’s owed.

“Pay to rent, some credit, pay to some things for my kids. I have three kids. Everything I need to pay,” she said.

Savka said she’s happy her story got a lot of attention but is worried that others could face a similar situation.

“Because this guy knows how to fool people, government, [and the] system. He knows how to do [it],” Savka said.

She is glad both stores closed and said it was a long time coming.

“I know that business, Mike’s business, how he works. His business died a long time [ago]. It was only official now,” she said.

CTV News reached out to Renkema. He did not want to comment on this story.

However, when the Waterloo store closed, a post was made on social media.

“Our family has been dedicated to serving this community for many years, and we have been truly blessed to get to know so many of you personally. We will miss you deeply!” the post read, in part.

The post said the closure of the Waterloo store would allow Renkema to focus on his health and other commitments, including honouring his promises to former employees and suppliers.