Over 250 workers at CN Tower locked out ahead of Canada Day, union says

Over 250 workers at the CN Tower were locked out just after midnight Monday after labour talks reached a standstill, the union representing them said. 

Unifor says the impasse is with Canada Lands Company, which operates the tourist attraction in the heart of downtown Toronto.

The lock-out comes a day before Canada Day festivities, during what the union called "the height of the summer season" in a news release Monday. 

"We love the CN Tower. We love the CN Tower guests. We love to work, but at the same time, we have to consider the fact that we need more money to live," said Shan Ramanathan, president of Unifor Local 4271, on Monday. 

"Considering the living wage in Toronto going up, I think it's not a fair deal."

The union represents about 250 full-time and part-time workers at the CN Tower, including hosts, wait staff, bartenders and a kitchen crew of chefs, cooks and butchers.

They've been fighting with their employer over a lack of pension improvements for more than 15 years and are seeking wage increases, solutions for some scheduling concerns, benefits and health and safety protections.

"We haven't had an increase in our pension for over 15 years. These are hospitality workers, many of them have served this company for 10, 20 years, and when they get to retirement, they don't get enough to live on." said Lis Pimentel, Unifor's hospitality sector director.

Canada Lands Company says it has been engaged in negotiations with Unifor since April and made its "best offer" on Thursday, but the union did not respond.

No food and drinks for visitors during lockout

While the CN Tower remains open, the tourist attraction's website warns that the 360 Restaurant, VUE Bistros and Le Café are closed.

"There are no food services available during this time," the site says, noting that visitors can bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks.

Pimentel she's sad visitors won't be able to have the full experience while visiting the attraction during Canada Day.

"It won't be very nice for the guests going into Canada Day. They won't be able to have the full experience, and we're really sad this is happening," she told CBC on Monday. 

Miguel Lalond, who was visiting the city from Ottawa Monday, said he was a bit disappointed that he couldn't get a drink at the CN Tower, but that didn't ruin his experience. 

"I was a bit disappointed that I couldn't get a coffee up there. At the end of the day, it's unfortunate, but we got to experience the CN Tower," he said. 

Visitor Tanya Vigna also noticed the lack of food and drinks, but says that didn't bother her.

"Everybody deserves to work, and they deserve a fair contract," she told CBC on Monday.