Air Canada says it will begin cancelling flights today (Aug. 14) as it prepares for a possible flight attendants’ strike on Saturday. More cancellations will follow Friday, with all Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights stopping by the weekend.
Flights by Air Canada Express, run by Jazz and PAL Airlines, will continue as normal.
Passengers whose flights are cancelled will be contacted and offered full refunds. The airline is also working with other Canadian and international carriers to provide alternate travel options where possible.
The union, which represents about 10,000 flight attendants, gave 72-hour strike notice on Wednesday. In response, the airline issued a lockout notice.
Talks between the two sides have stalled over pay and unpaid duties. The union rejected Air Canada’s proposal for binding arbitration, saying members deserve a chance to vote on a deal.
“We regret the impact a disruption will have,” said CEO Michael Rousseau.