ROME – Passengers at Rome’s second airport are facing long lines and flight cancellations because of a wildcat strike by baggage handlers.

The unannounced strike began Wednesday morning at Ciampino, a hub for Ryanair and other discount airlines. About 850 workers of Groundcare, one of seven private companies that handle unloading baggage and cargo at Rome airports, are striking to recover back pay. Groundcare recently filed for bankruptcy protection.

Ciampino was paralyzed by the dispute, and airport employees passed out water and hotel information to frustrated, stranded customers during the peak tourist season in Rome.

Flights were cancelled into Wednesday evening. Italy’s civil aviation authorities were meeting with Groundcare and the workers to try to resolve the dispute.

Source: The Associated Press