More than 250 CN Tower workers locked out ahead of Canada Day, union says
TORONTO — More than 250 workers at the CN Tower, one of the most iconic tourist sites in Toronto, have been locked out just before Canada Day, their union said on Monday.
The decision 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, Unifor said in a statement.
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CN Tower, which is operated by Crown corporation Canada Lands Company, said 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 said 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 said there has been 'no meaningful progress' on benefits throughout negotiations, and persistent health and safety issues remain unaddressed.
Canada Lands Company said it has been engaged in negotiations with Unifor since April and made its 'best offer' on June 26, but the union did not respond.
Unifor Local 4271 president Shan Ramanathan said the union is ready to return to the bargaining table at any time.
A Canada Lands Company spokesperson said CN Tower visitors can being their own food and non-alcoholic beverages to the observation decks while food services are closed.
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