Air Canada’s negotiations with the Canadian Union of Public Employees, which represents about 10,000 flight attendants, have reached an impasse after the union rejected the carrier’s proposal for binding third-party arbitration. The airline says it will ask Ottawa to order interest arbitration, but, absent government intervention, either side can issue a 72-hour strike or lockout notice as soon as 12:01 a.m. Eastern on Aug. 13, paving the way for a possible shutdown of Air Canada services by Aug. 16. Air Canada disclosed that its latest offer amounts to a 38 percent compensation increase over four years, including a 25 percent raise in the first year. CUPE argues that arbitration would silence workers’ voices and says it remains at the bargaining table seeking what it calls a fair deal. A stoppage at the country’s largest airline in the heart of the summer travel season would disrupt domestic and international routes and put additional pressure on Canada’s transport network. Separately, London’s Gatwick Airport is bracing for disruption after Unite announced ten days of strikes by baggage screeners employed by contractor ICTS. Walkouts are scheduled for Aug. 22-26 and Aug. 29-Sept. 2, spanning the U.K. bank-holiday period. Gatwick says it is working with suppliers to maintain its flight schedule but warned travelers of potential delays if the dispute is not resolved.