MONTREAL — Air Canada announced it will start canceling flights as it prepares for a possible work stoppage by its flight attendants on Saturday. The airline plans to begin suspending flights on Thursday, with additional cancellations on Friday. By the weekend, all flights operated by Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge will cease. However, Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz and PAL Airlines will continue to run as scheduled.

Customers whose flights are canceled will be notified and will be eligible for a full refund. The airline has also coordinated with other Canadian and international carriers to offer alternative travel options where possible.

The union representing approximately 10,000 flight attendants issued a 72-hour strike notice on Wednesday. In response, Air Canada issued a lockout notice. On Tuesday, the airline stated that it had reached an impasse in contract negotiations with the union, with both sides remaining significantly apart on key issues.

The union has highlighted its main concerns, which include what it describes as "poverty wages" for flight attendants and unpaid labor during times when planes are not in the air. The union stated, "Despite our best efforts, Air Canada refused to address our core issues."

Additionally, the union rejected a proposal from Air Canada to enter a binding arbitration process, preferring to negotiate a deal that its members can vote on. The union expressed concerns that an arbitrator's decision would be final and not subject to a member vote, which differs from the outcomes of negotiations that allow for member input. The union also noted that arbitrators typically rely on existing precedents, which may not align with their bargaining goals.