Labor dispute disrupts flights at Toronto airport

TORONTO: A sudden labor disruption by workers that refuel planes at Toronto’s main airport caused flight delays and cancellations yesterday, said the union that represents the workers, as the city prepared for the start of the Pan American Games on July 10.

In a bulletin posted online, the airport said a labor dispute could disrupt flights. By 8:10 a.m., its website showed 22 delayed and 27 canceled departures. It was not clear how many were routine, and how many were caused by the dispute. International Association of Machinists spokesman Bill Trbovich said members of Lodge 2413 were involved, but the union had not sanctioned the job action. Trbovich said that to the best of his knowledge, some employees were not going to work, and others were refusing overtime. Some 250 employees of Consolidated Aviation Fueling are set to lose their jobs in the autumn as Air Canada and other airlines switch fuel providers, he said.

Nearly all the canceled flights were operated by Air Canada, but many other Air Canada flights had departed normally or were still scheduled to leave on time. The airline could not immediately be reached for comment. Consolidated Aviation, owned by closely held Allied Aviation, could not immediately be reached for comment.

The Pan Am Games are expected to draw 250,000 visitors and 10,000 athletes to Toronto and the surrounding area. — Reuters