The Montreal-based airline, which transports about 130,000 customers a day, said the union representing flight attendants made a recent counteroffer seeking “exorbitant” pay increases, and has rejected an offer to enter third-party binding arbitration.

Air Canada said on Tuesday it has asked for federal government intervention in contract talks with its flight attendants union, after the airline declared an impasse in the negotiations.

Ongoing contract negotiations between Air Canada and the union representing flight attendants appear to have hit an impasse largely over wages. It could lead to a strike or lockout – with 72 hours notice.