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700 baggage handlers, ground crew workers go on strike at Pearson airport

Roughly 700 ground crew workers at Toronto's Pearson airport walked off the job Thursday night after voting to strike during the busy travel season of summer holidays.

The members of Teamsters Local 419 began picketing around 10 p.m. ET, after learning that 95 per cent of those who voted had rejected the offer from Swissport.

The company services 30 airlines at the airport including Sunwing, Air Transat, Air France and British Airways.

Airlines say they've made plans to curb delays

Air Transat said it was taking measures to ensure none of its flights would be delayed if a strike occurs. British Airways said it had a contingency plan and would continue to operate all its flights.

WestJet, which does not work with Swissport, said it was aware of the situation and advised passengers to arrive early for their flights to avoid delays. Air Canada said there will be no impact to its customers as it operates its own baggage handling at Pearson.

Swissport hired 250 contract workers

The union, however, has described Swissport's contract as unfair to its workers. It has also taken issue with the company's decision to hire 250 temporary workers last May.

The union filed a complaint with the Canadian Industrial Relations Board over that matter, alleging the temporary workers are poorly trained and have been involved in multiple accidents over the past few months.

Swissport said it "categorically denies" those allegations.