- On Saturday evening, activists from DxE Montreal burst into the restaurant Au Pied de Cochon in Montreal.
- A video posted to Facebook shows activists from the animal rights group disrupting a service at the prestigious restaurant.
- Last week, a job offer from Martin Picard’s restaurant offering an hourly wage of $ 13.50 for cook positions drew strong reactions.
The last few days have not been easy for the restaurant Au Pied de Cochon and its famous chef Martin Picard. After controversy over a job offer that offered an hourly wage of $ 13.50 for cook positions, members of an animal rights group broke into the famous establishment on Duluth Street in Montreal, Saturday night.
• Read also: $ 13.50 / hr for a cook position at Pig’s Foot: here’s how much restaurant employees earn
• Read also: A job offer from the Au Pied de Cochon restaurant sparks controversy, Martin Picard defends himself
A video of the action was posted on Facebook this weekend. Activists representing the group Direct Action Everywhere Montreal (DxE Montreal) can be seen making their voices heard in the restaurant, while the dining room is full.
“Animals are not food,” says an activist using a megaphone, in the middle of the customers at the table.
A political gesture
“It’s a stand [une position] Politics. This is a point of view that we take against the exploitation of animals, ”explains Jade, spokesperson for DxE, in an interview with 24 hours.
DxE Montreal says it is possible for restaurateurs to offer dishes that are both “delicious” and “ethical” without exploiting animals or employees.
The spokesperson for the group affirms that their action did not target only Martin Picard’s restaurant, known in particular for its poutine with foie gras. But, according to her, the establishment was recognized as “being operator, as much towards the animals as towards the employees”.
Last week, a job offer posted by the Montreal restaurant sparked strong reactions. The ad said the facility was looking for five cooks who would be offered an hourly wage of $ 13.50.
In an interview on LCN, Martin Picard had defended his job offer, assuring “that there is not an employee who earns $ 13.50 an hour at the Pied de Cochon”.
Other actions
This is not the first time that the restaurant Au Pied de Cochon has been targeted by an action by the group. Protesters were invited to it two years ago.
Last year, DxE Montreal activists also targeted an Ashton branch and Montreal restaurant Joe Beef, as well as a grocery store, Rachelle Béry.
DxE calls in particular for a charter of rights for animals.
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