In a dramatic escalation of ongoing labour tensions, approximately 250 workers at Toronto’s iconic CN Tower were locked out early Thursday morning after negotiations between Canada Lands Company and the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) broke down. The dispute has effectively shuttered one of Canada’s most recognizable landmarks, leaving tourists disappointed and workers on the picket lines.
“We were blindsided by this aggressive action,” said Lorraine Clarke, PSAC’s regional representative, speaking outside the tower where dozens of employees gathered with protest signs. “Our members simply want fair wages that keep pace with inflation and improved working conditions, but management has refused to engage meaningfully at the bargaining table.”
The lockout affects a wide range of CN Tower staff, including box office representatives, hospitality workers, skilled trades personnel, and maintenance teams. These employees are responsible for the day-to-day operations that welcome nearly two million visitors annually to Canada’s premier tourist attraction.
Canada Lands Company, the federal Crown corporation that operates the tower, defended its position in a statement released Thursday afternoon. “After months of good-faith negotiations, we made what we believe is a fair and competitive offer that balances employee needs with the financial sustainability of this national treasure,” said spokesperson Martin Reynolds. “Unfortunately, union demands remain significantly beyond what is economically feasible.”
At the heart of the dispute are wages, scheduling practices, and benefits. The union claims workers’ salaries have failed to keep pace with Toronto’s skyrocketing cost of living, with many employees reporting they can no longer afford to live in the city where they work. PSAC is seeking a 14 percent wage increase over three years, while management has countered with an offer of 7.5 percent.
The timing of the lockout has raised eyebrows among political analysts, coming just weeks before the summer tourist season reaches its peak. The CN Tower typically sees its highest visitor numbers during July and August, with significant revenue generated from admissions, dining, and special events.
Tourism industry experts estimate the closure could cost the Toronto economy upwards of $500,000 daily when considering lost ticket sales, restaurant revenue, and the ripple effect on nearby attractions and businesses. “This couldn’t happen at a worse time,” said Elaine Wong, director of the Greater Toronto Tourism Association. “Many international visitors plan their entire Canadian itinerary around experiencing the CN Tower.”
The labour dispute has already affected hundreds of visitors who arrived Thursday morning to find closed doors and explanatory notices. The James family from Liverpool, England, expressed their disappointment: “We specifically planned our Canadian holiday around visiting the tower,” said Michael James. “Our children have been looking forward to this for months, and we leave Toronto tomorrow.”
Both federal and provincial officials have urged the parties to return to the bargaining table. Ontario Labour Minister Monte McNaughton called for renewed dialogue, stating: “Tourism is vital to our province’s economic recovery, and this iconic landmark represents both our past achievements and future aspirations.”
As business impact concerns mount, pressure is growing on both sides to reach a resolution. Analysts note that prolonged labour disputes in the tourism sector can have lasting consequences beyond immediate revenue losses, potentially damaging Canada’s international reputation as a visitor-friendly destination.
For now, the 553-meter tower stands unusually quiet, its elevators motionless and observation decks empty. The EdgeWalk attraction, which allows visitors to circle the tower’s exterior at a height of 356 meters, has also been suspended indefinitely.
As this labour dispute unfolds in one of Canada’s most visible workplaces, it raises important questions about fair compensation in our tourism sector: In a city with one of North America’s highest costs of living, what responsibility do employers of landmark attractions have to ensure their workforce can afford to live where they work?
