TORONTO— A sea of red shirts flooded the base of Canada’s most recognizable landmark today, as more than 250 locked-out CN Tower hospitality workers rallied alongside union leaders, allies, and supporters to demand a return to the bargaining table to negotiate a fair contract.
“These are the people who provide the unforgettable dining and hospitality experience the CN Tower is known for,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Being locked out by a federal Crown corporation is more than a labour dispute—it’s a shameful move by Canada Lands Company that deserves public outrage.”
Canada Lands Company, the federal Crown corporation that operates the CN Tower, locked out Unifor Local 4271 members just before Canada Day, after contract talks broke down.
“What did these workers get in return for years of dedication through a pandemic, soaring living costs, and no pension improvements in over a decade? A lockout,” said Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi. “This is a power play. They thought our members would back down. But they didn’t count on the strength of Local 4271 or the momentum building across Ontario’s hospitality sector.”
Shan Ramanathan, President of Unifor Local 4271, praised the unwavering unity on the line: “Our members have stood shoulder to shoulder since day one of this lockout. We’re fighting back—and we’re not leaving until we get the deal our members deserve.”
Among the messages of solidarity was one from CUPE National President Mark Hancock, who voiced strong support for the locked-out workers.
“I know you are a fighting union and know how to get contracts that work for you and your families, and I know we can win,” said Hancock.
The main negotiating issues remain wages, health benefits and safety concerns.
Calling for renewed negotiations and a path forward, Payne urged the employer to put respect back at the centre of bargaining.
“To Canada Lands Company—we say this: come back to the table and bring a fair offer,” said Payne. “These workers are ready to return to the jobs they love, to welcome guests and deliver world-class service. But they will not be sent back without respect, without fairness, and without a deal that reflects the value they bring to this landmark every single day.”
View the rally photo album here.