Alaska handler cited in altercation with United workers

A worker for the company that handles baggage for Alaska Airlines has been cited for misdemeanor assault after an altercation with United Airlines workers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, an airport spokesman said.

The Tuesday altercation erupted because the Menzies Aviation worker was allegedly driving a "tug," a vehicle that pulls luggage carts, too fast through the United Airlines area, said airport spokesman Bob Parker. A shouting match ensued and the Menzies worker pushed two United employees. One of them fell onto a baggage loading belt.

The incident comes as Menzies has increased oversight of its workers following mishaps at the airport in December and January, including one that involved a Menzies employee crashing a tug into an Alaska jet and not reporting it. The damage caused the plane to depressurize after takeoff.

John Fulford, a Menzies vice president, said the company was investigating the altercation, but stressed that the company has extra supervisors on site to watch employees.