Air Canada is taking significant steps to address the potential disruption in its services as it faces a looming strike by the union representing approximately 10,000 flight attendants. The union is poised to initiate a strike just before 1 a.m. on Saturday, while Air Canada has concurrently issued a lockout notice scheduled for the same time. This dual action has raised concerns about widespread flight cancellations and service interruptions over the coming days.

In anticipation of the expected labor dispute, Air Canada has already commenced the cancellation of certain flights starting today. The airline has indicated that further disruptions are likely to occur on Friday, and it may reach a complete cessation of operations by Saturday if an agreement between the airline and the union is not finalized. This situation underscores the urgency of negotiations as both parties strive to come to a resolution.

To mitigate the impact on travelers, Air Canada has announced that affected customers will be eligible for full refunds. Furthermore, the airline is working on arranging alternative travel options with other Canadian and international carriers where feasible. This effort is part of Air Canada's strategy to lessen the inconvenience for passengers who may find themselves stranded or unable to travel due to the potential work stoppage.

In response to the disturbance caused by potential flight cancellations, Air Canada has sought government-directed arbitration in an effort to avert the impending shutdown. However, as of now, the federal government has not publicly indicated whether it plans to intervene in the negotiations between Air Canada and the union. The silence from Ottawa adds another layer of uncertainty to the proceedings.

Federal Labour Minister Patty Hajdu has issued a statement encouraging both Air Canada and the union to "stay at the table until a deal is found." This call for continued dialogue reflects the government's interest in resolving the situation before it escalates into a full-blown strike or lockout. The resolution of this conflict is critical not only for the employees involved but also for the traveling public who rely on Air Canada's services.

As the situation develops, travelers are advised to stay informed about any changes to their flight itineraries and to reach out to Air Canada for updates regarding their specific travel plans. The next few days will be pivotal in determining the future of Air Canada's operations and the satisfaction of its employees.