Air Canada flights canceled over wildcat strike at Toronto’s Pearson airport
Service agents at Air Canada, the country’s largest air carrier, have threatened to go on strike at 11:59 p.m. Monday, June 13, if a deal with the airline isn’t reached. Talks were continuing Monday, with proposed changes to workers’ pensions the main sticking point.
Air Canada canceled or delayed dozens of flights to Canadian and US destinations early today after a wildcat strike by its ground workers at Toronto's Pearson International Airport.
There were reports of flights on other airlines being affected, and of delays at Montreal's Trudeau airport.
The Canadian Press said the strike had "created travel chaos" at Pearson airport. By 7 am, more than 100 Air Canada flights had been affected, the CP said.
Air Canada, in an advisory posted on its website, blamed "illegal work action by Air Canada's ground handling employees in Toronto and Montreal" for the cancelations and delays.
Air Canada ground workers in Toronto launched a wildcat strike Thursday evening, leaving management to take over some baggage handling duties, The Globe and Mail reported.
The Globe said that around 150 people had gathered outside the arrival area in Pearson's Terminal 1 early today, in what was described as a peaceful demonstration.
Last weekend, Pearson airport saw widespread delays and flight cancelations due to a combination of fog and Air Canada pilots calling in sick in an apparent protest over a bitter contract feud.
More from GlobalPost: Air Canada cancels flights amid apparent pilot protest
More from GlobalPost: Cat on a plane: Air Canada flight delayed by runaway feline