Contract negotiations between Unifor and the CN Tower have broken down, raising the prospect of a strike or lockout at one of Canada’s top tourist attractions just days before the Canada Day long weekend.
Shan Ramanathan, president of Unifor Local 4271, said the union has reached an impasse with the Canada Lands Company, which operates the tower, and accused the employer of failing to show serious intent at the bargaining table.
“Our members want a fair deal. We’re ready to bargain, but the company needs to return to the table with a serious commitment to reaching an agreement,” Ramanathan said in a statement.
The local represents about 250 employees at the CN Tower, including hosts, wait staff, bartenders, chefs, cooks and other kitchen staff. Their current contract expires at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, June 30. If no agreement is reached by then, workers could be locked out or go on strike, disrupting service at the popular landmark during peak tourist season.
Key points of contention in the dispute include stagnant pensions, wage increases, scheduling, benefits, and health and safety protections. According to Unifor, pensions have not been improved in over 15 years.
Unifor, which represents 320,000 workers nationwide, said its members at the CN Tower are seeking basic improvements after years without meaningful gains.
