Union says 250 CN Tower workers locked out ahead of Canada Day

TORONTO — Canada’s largest private-sector union says more than 250 CN Tower workers have been locked out by the Crown corporation operating the Toronto tourist attraction.

Unifor says the decision by Canada Lands Company to lock out workers including hosts, wait staff, bartenders and cooks at the start of peak tourist season “speaks volumes,” and is a blow to Toronto’s economy.

CN Tower says on its website that although food services are temporarily closed during the labour disruption, the building’s observation levels, EdgeWalk and shop remain open.

Unifor Local 4271 says it has been fighting with the employer over a lack of pension improvements for more than 15 years and is seeking wage increases, solutions for scheduling concerns, benefits and health and safety protections.

The union says there has been “no meaningful progress” on benefits throughout negotiations, and persistent health and safety issues remain unaddressed.

Unifor Local 4271 president Shan Ramanathan says the union is ready to return to the bargaining table at any time.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 30, 2025.

READ MORE: CN Tower labour talks stall, raising risk of Canada Day disruption: Unifor