As of now, there is no confirmation whether Air Canada and the union representing approximately 10,000 of its flight attendants have successfully avoided a potential strike or lockout that could commence as soon as Saturday. The Air Canada component of the Canadian Union of Public Employees has the ability to strike starting at 12:01 a.m. ET on Saturday, which allows for the possibility of a strike notice to be issued at any time after the required 72 hours of notification.

Despite the looming deadline, the midnight hour has passed without any notification from either Air Canada or the union regarding a potential strike or lockout, nor have they announced a tentative agreement that would prevent a work stoppage. The situation remains tense as both parties continue to navigate the negotiations without reaching a satisfactory resolution.

Air Canada has declared that it has reached an "impasse" in negotiations with the union that represents its flight attendants. On the previous Tuesday, the union rejected a proposal from the airline to enter into a binding arbitration process, further complicating the path toward an agreement.

In anticipation of potential disruptions, Air Canada has communicated that if flights are canceled as a result of a strike, the airline will inform its customers through email and text messages before their travel. Customers affected by cancellations will be entitled to a full refund, underscoring the airline's commitment to customer service even during labor disputes.

This report highlights the ongoing labor negotiations and the uncertainty surrounding Air Canada's operations amidst the threat of industrial action. As the situation develops, both the airline and the union will need to address the concerns of their employees and the potential impact on passengers.

Air Canada is known for frequent communication in such situations, indicating its attempts to manage and mitigate any inconveniences to travelers while striving for a resolution that satisfies its flight attendants. The upcoming days will be crucial as both sides may make significant decisions regarding the future of their working relationship.

In light of the potential labor action, this situation exemplifies the ongoing challenges faced by companies and unions as they try to balance operational needs with the rights and demands of employees. The outcome will be pivotal not just for Air Canada’s services, but also for the broader context of labor relations within the airline industry in Canada.

As the deadline approaches, stakeholders from both sides will be closely monitoring developments, hoping for a resolution that sidesteps a strike, which would have significant ramifications for both the airline’s operations and its employees.