40,000 government clerks go on strike in Canada

About 40,000 federal government clerks went on strike across Canada to press their demands for higher pay and a shorter workweek. The strike is expected to affect all government departments and disrupt operations ranging from meat and fish inspections to customs service at airports. Sunday, Canada's major airports were hit by a nine-hour "sickout" called by air traffic controllers protesting disciplinary action taken against some of their colleagues. The government feels the controllers' walkout was illlegal and may take disciplinary action.