Canadian government moves to end Air Canada strike

By Promit Mukherjee

OTTAWA, Aug 16 (Reuters) - The Canadian government on Saturday moved to end a strike by Air Canada AC.TO flight attendants, saying it needed to act now to prevent lasting economic damage.

Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu said she had asked the Canada Industrial Relations Board to impose binding arbitration on both sides and order an immediate end to the dispute.

"I have exercised my authorities under Section 107 of the Canadian Labor Code to direct the Canada Industrial Relations Board to order the parties to resume and continue their operations and duties in order to secure industrial peace and protect the interests of Canada, Canadians and the economy," she said.