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 Montreal-based airline said labor negotiations with its 10,000 flight attendants are at an impasse and warned that the carrier may begin to shut down operations as early as Saturday without an agreement.

The union representing around 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants has signalled its intent to strike in 72 hours.