CN Tower's hospitality workers locked out but observation deck, walk, shop remain open

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Just in time for Canada Day, the management of one of the country’s top tourist destinations – the CN Tower – had locked out more than 250 workers represented by Unifor, effective Monday, reports the union.

“Canada Lands Company (the crown corporation that runs CN Tower) 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 in a statement released Monday morning.

“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.

The deadline to reach a deal and avoid a strike or lockout passed at 12:01 a.m. Monday.

CN Tower says on its website that although food services at 360 Restaurant, VUE Bistros and Le Café are temporarily closed during the labour disruption, the building’s observation levels, EdgeWalk and shop remain open and those visiting are welcome to bring their own food and beverages.

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.

“This lockout is not only an attack on workers—it’s a blow to Toronto’s tourism economy,” Shan Ramanathan, president of Unifor Local 4271, said in a statement released Monday.

“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.” – with files from CP

JULY 1 OPEN/CLOSED/FIREWORKS ADVISORY:

OPEN:

• Attractions like ROM, AGO, Toronto Zoo

• Beer Store and Wine Rack

• Shopping Malls like Eaton Centre and Square One

• TTC Holiday Schedule

CLOSED:

• Banks

• Government buildings

• Most grocery stores

• LCBO locations

• Some shopping malls

FIREWORKS LOCATIONS:

• The City of Toronto’s Canada Day fireworks display at Ashbridges Bay will take place on July 1 at 10 p.m., and can be seen on the boardwalk from Emdaabiimok Avenue to Victoria Park Avenue and will happen rain or shine.

• The 2025 Canada Day Celebrations at Mel Lastman Square will take place on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 5100 Yonge Street, with the fireworks starting at 10 p.m.

• Three locations in Mississauga will have fireworks, all at 10 p.m. – Port Credit (Lakeshore Road from Stavebank Rd. to Hurontario St.), Streetsville (Memorial Park, 335 Church St., Mississauga) and Celebration Square (300 City Centre Dr.).

WHERE TO MARK CANADA DAY

Queen’s Park: Admission is free and festivities run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the official opening and 21-gun salute beginning at noon.

Nathan Phillips Square: Festivities officially kick off at 12:30 p.m. with Indigenous Elder Grandmother Kim Wheatley and Poet Laureate Lillian Allen.