The Canadian Union of Public Employees, representing more than 10,000 Air Canada cabin crew, on Wednesday gave the airline a 72-hour deadline to reach a pay deal or face strike, hours after the carrier asked sought federal government intervention.

The union representing Air Canada's flight attendants has signalled that its members intend to go on strike this weekend, paving the way for workers to walk off the job as early as Saturday morning.The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) gave the carrier a requisite 72-hour notice after the two sides reached an "impasse" in negotiations.

The union representing around 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants has signalled its intent to strike in 72 hours. Flight attendants could potentially walk off the job Saturday at 12:58 a.m. ET if a