Air Canada ground crews stage strike in Toronto

TORONTO (AP) ? Air Canada baggage handlers are staging a walkout at Toronto's Pearson International Airport, grounding several flights.

Passengers who had boarded at least one flight bound for Ottawa were told to deplane and return to the terminal.

The Canadian government recently passed legislation banning strikes or lockouts at Air Canada, arguing the move was needed to protect the economy.

Air Canada spokeswoman Isabelle Arthur said that there had been an "illegal job action" by a small number of ground crew workers.

Various media reports say about 150 workers are involved in the walkout.

The airline and its pilots and mechanics have been in a bitter contract feud that prompted the government to step in earlier this month.

Air Canada pilots launched a constitutional challenge this week to the government's back-to-work legislation.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/f70471f764144b2fab526d39972d37b3/Article_2012-03-23-CN-Canada-Air-Canada-Strike/id-12c53397cd714be1a4b71c924098be75

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