More than 250 people who work at the CN Tower were locked out of the iconic landmark just before Canada Day, according to a statement from Unifor, the union representing the part-time and full-time staff. The lockout began just after midnight on Monday and involves food-hospitality workers, Unifor said.
The decision by Canada Lands Company — a federal crown corporation — to lock out workers disrupts one of the nation’s top tourist destinations during the summer visitor season and affects front-of-house hosts, wait staff, bartenders, stewards and kitchen personnel, the statement said.
“Canada Lands Company choosing to lock out workers at the very start of peak tourism season, rather than negotiating a fair agreement, speaks volumes,” Unifor National President Lana Payne said. “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.”
Approaching the CN Tower from the base, off Bremner Boulevard, locked out workers could be seen marching in a large circle carrying red Unifor flags, and placards that read “locked out” around their necks and taped onto their backs on Monday morning. The group was blowing whistles and chanting:
“Who locked us out? CN tower?”
“When I say union you say power,” and “one day longer, one day strong.”
Drivers were honking in support, causing protesters to erupt in cheers.
Unifor said they have been at the bargaining table trying to come to a fair deal while addressing concerns that wages aren’t keeping up with inflation and that workers have gone more than 15 years without pension improvements. The union also said there has been no meaningful progress on benefits and there are continuous health and safety issues in the workplace that haven’t been addressed.
“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. “It’s time for Canada Lands Company to show leadership and work toward a resolution that values the people who keep this landmark running.”
A media representative speaking on behalf of the CN Tower said the company hopes the labour disruption can be resolved through respectful and reasonable negotiation.
“The CN Tower and Unifor Local 4271 have been engaged in good faith efforts to negotiate a renewed collective agreement with unionized employees in the Food & Beverage department since April,” the representative said in an email. “The company made its best offer on June 26, 2025, and unfortunately, the Union chose not to respond.”
The tower’s observation levels, EdgeWalk and gift shop will be open but 360 Restaurant, VUE Bistros and Le Café are temporarily closed due to a “labour disruption,” according to a notice on the CN Tower’s website. Visitors are allowed to bring food and non-alcoholic drinks to the observation levels and are encouraged to check the website regularly for updates.
With files from Reagan McSwain
