The Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada says the federal government should be ready to order its pilots back to work, if they walk off the job next week.
Michael Rousseau says even a short stoppage could cause prolonged disruption for customers, so binding arbitration might be necessary.
The Air Line Pilots Association warns such a move would tip the scales in the favour of  employers and worsen labour relations in Canada.
Air Canada plans to start cancelling flights today in anticipation of a shutdown.
Sunday is the first day that the pilots can issue a 72-hour strike notice, or the airline can issue a similar lockout notice.