TORONTO—In a move that disrupts one of Canada’s top tourist destinations during the height of the summer season, Canada Lands Company, a federal Crown corporation, has locked out more than 250 unionized workers at the CN Tower just before the Canada Day holiday.
“Canada Lands Company choosing to lock out workers at the very start of peak tourism season, rather than negotiating a fair agreement, speaks volumes,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “It’s incredibly disappointing that visitors and local residents alike will be denied the full CN Tower experience, including its dining services, due to the company’s refusal to respect its workers.”
Unifor Local 4271 represents approximately 250 full-time and part-time CN Tower staff, including front-of-house hosts, wait staff, bartenders, stewards, and kitchen brigade members such as chefs, cooks, and butchers, among others. These workers play a key role in delivering the high-quality service expected at one of Canada’s most iconic landmarks.
The union has been at the bargaining table seeking a fair deal that addresses long-standing concerns. Workers have gone more than 15 years without improvements to their pension, while wages have failed to keep pace with inflation. In addition, there has been no meaningful progress on benefits, and persistent health and safety issues remain unaddressed in the workplace.
Despite repeated efforts by Unifor to reach a fair and respectful collective agreement, Canada Lands Company refused to address workers’ key concerns, ultimately opting to shut workers out just as the CN Tower prepares to welcome thousands of tourists for Canada Day festivities.
“This lockout is not only an attack on workers—it’s a blow to Toronto’s tourism economy,” said Shan Ramanathan, President of Unifor Local 4271. “We remain ready to return to the bargaining table at any time. It’s time for Canada Lands Company to show leadership and work towards a resolution that values the people who keep this landmark running.”
