Baggage handlers go on strike in Toronto

About 700 baggage handlers and ground crew workers have gone on strike at Toronto's main international airport, Canada's biggest and busiest hub, after rejecting a new contract offer.

The workers, who service carriers including Air France, British Airways and holiday charters such as Sunwing airlines, work for aviation services firm Swissport and are represented by the Teamsters Canada union.

Union spokesman Christopher Monette said 95 per cent of members had voted in favour of a strike.

Among outstanding issues, the Teamsters accuse Swissport of using untrained temporary workers, a charge the company denies.

The Greater Toronto Airport Authority, which operates Pearson, and the affected carriers have said they have contingency plans to deal with a strike, but have not provided details.