Tories table Air Canada back-to-work legislation 64

Federal Labour Minister Lisa Raitt will put on notice legislation Wednesday to force striking Air Canada service employees back to work.

In a press release Wednesday morning, Raitt said she would introduce the Continuing Air Service for Passengers Act, which will be debated in the House of Commons on Thursday, for the sake of the economy.

Some 3,800 Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) members have been on strike since midnight Tuesday after failing to reach an agreement with the airline on wages and pensions.

"Our government is concerned about the effect this strike will have on Canada's economic recovery and on Canadians," Raitt said.

"That is why tonight, we will put legislation on notice to ensure continuing air service for passengers."

The move has drawn the ire of CAW, which says the government is infringing on its members' labour rights.

"This action by the government is a clear interference with the right to free collective bargaining," said CAW national president Ken Lewenza.

"The speed at which this legislation has been tabled points to a very real collusion by the Conservative federal government and Air Canada to strip workers of their rights.

"This is a deplorable model for labour relations for this country," he added. "It sets a dangerous precedent when the government can get involved in the collective bargaining of workers employed by a privately owned, for profit-company."

Raitt, however, said that after failed meetings with both parties, she was left with no choice.

"My preference has always been for the parties to resolve their own labour dispute and negotiate an agreement," she said. "Since this has proven impossible, our government must act to protect the public interest."

The strike caused dozens of flight delays and a handful of cancellations on Tuesday.

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