After almost two weeks of hard-negotiating an agreement has now been reached. Since the beginning of our ongoing labor dispute at Toronto’s iconic CN Tower that is now over. Under the resolution, restaurant operations at the CN Tower will be able to resume on Tuesday. This saves employees and customers the regret of wasting a day on the road! This strike was the largest of its kind in Canada, impacting more than 250 food and beverage workers, represented by Unifor Local 4271.
The union organizes all types of hospitality workers, from hosts to waiting staff and bartenders, chefs and cooks, butchers. They didn’t just get lucky — they fought like hell together and won a new three-year collective agreement. This agreement guarantees historic raises in wages for each person covered.
Details of the Agreement
CN Tower workers’ contracts call for annual wage increases of 4.25 percent for those who do not earn tips. This collective bargaining agreement will make these employees whole. In comparison, workers in tipped jobs will get a 4 percent raise in their first year. After that, they’re looking at 2.5 percent increases per year over the next two years.
The agreement was officially ratified as of July 14, 2025, and an update regarding this development was posted at 8:03 am, with a subsequent update at 8:07 am. The quick agreement reflects a clear intention to prioritize worker needs. Equally important, it keeps things running smoothly at one of Toronto’s most iconic venues.
Union’s Perspective
Lana Payne, the Unifor National President, stated that they are proud of what they were able to achieve in these negotiations. She reminded workers that solidarity is more critical than ever in this tough time.
“This victory shows what happens when workers stand together and refuse to settle for less,” – Lana Payne, Unifor National President
Payne praised the commitment of the union members during the entire labor battle.
“These members kept the pressure on, raised their voices, and fought for the respect they’ve always deserved. This is what union power looks like.” – Lana Payne, Unifor National President
Impact on Workers and Patrons
The outcome of this labour dispute holds important legacies for workers and patrons at the CN Tower alike. For employees, the new wage increases represent a step towards fair compensation for their efforts in an industry known for its demanding work conditions. Now, patrons can again experience dining as one of the best experiences within one of Canada’s most storied structures. That’s all thanks to the reopening of restaurant operations.
